Water Transmission and COVID-19

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use chlorine disinfection, such as those in Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 24's (FBMUD 24) drinking water system, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Drinking Water, Reacreational 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 pools and hot tubs?

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs 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.

As your local water provider, the health and safety of the FBMUD 24 community is our top priority. FBMUD 24 is closely monitoring updates and recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The emergence of COVID-19 has caused understandable questions about public health and local water supplies.

To be clear, the water provided by FBMUD 24 is safe and meets or exceeds stringent state and federal standards.

According to the CDC, EPA, and World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Conventional water treatment and disinfection methods such as those in most municipal drinking water systems should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

More CDC information is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html

The EPA has advised that: “Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual. EPA has established regulations with treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water and wastewater. COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection, and standard treatment and disinfectant processes are expected to be effective.”

More EPA information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinking-water-and-wastewater

FBMUD 24 will continue to monitor public health recommendations and share periodic updates as necessary.

Please continue to monitor your local office of emergency management for the most up to date public health announcements. Stay safe and healthy.

Should there be additional information needed, please contact the District or its Operator via the “Contact Us” page on the website.