PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT re COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

03-13-2020

JeffcoPSD Customers,

The District continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and create preparedness

plans. We are in discussions with Missouri Department of Natural Resources and

Community Health Departments to monitor this emerging and rapidly evolving public

health concern. Our planning will ensure that JCPSD will continue to provide safe and

efficient drinking water and wastewater treatment during this event. The following

information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines the effects of

the COVID-19 on drinking water and wastewater utility.

Water Transmission and COVID-19

Drinking Water, Recreational Water and Wastewater: What You Need to Know

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water?

The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water

treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most

municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes

COVID-19.

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through sewerage systems?

CDC is reviewing all data on COVID-19 transmission as information becomes

available. At this time, the risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19

through sewerage systems is thought to be low. Although transmission of COVID-19

through sewage may be possible, there is no evidence to date that this has occurred.

This guidance will be updated as necessary as new evidence is assessed.

SARS, a similar coronavirus, has been detected in untreated sewage for up to 2 to 14

days. In the 2003 SARS outbreak, there was documented transmission associated

with sewage aerosols. Data suggest that standard municipal wastewater system

chlorination practices may be sufficient to inactivate coronaviruses, as long as

utilities monitor free available chlorine during treatment to ensure it has not been

depleted.

Wastewater and sewage workers should use standard practices, practice basic

hygiene precautions, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as prescribed

for current work tasks.

(ref: Centers for Disease Control)

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