Regional Water Authority Taking Precautions For Coronavirus

NEW HAVEN, CT – The Regional Water Authority has announced it is taking "reasonable precautions" in response to the spread of the new coronavirus in Connecticut.

South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority delivers water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven.

The RWA is also halting water service shutoffs due to nonpayment until April 30, 2020, at which point the policy will be revisited. Most importantly, the RWA remains confident that COVID-19 poses no risk to drinking water.

"Access to water is critical to the protection of health and safety at all times, but particularly when managing a serious disease outbreak like COVID-19," said Larry Bingaman, president and CEO of the Regional Water Authority. "No one should be deprived of access to tap water due to inability to pay during this time of heightened need. The RWA is temporarily ceasing all water service shutoffs as a result of nonpayment until April 30 so that our customers will continue to have access to water for hygiene, consumption and safety during the current pandemic event."

The RWA's regular water treatment processes include disinfecting all water before it reaches customers. This disinfection process ensures that tap water is safe from COVID-19, according to a press release.

The RWA is taking steps to help ensure employees remain healthy and available to oversee and manage the company’s water system.

Staff at the RWA's water treatment plants are being encouraged to avoid large gatherings or attending meetings at company headquarters unless it is necessary. This will limit contact with other people, thereby decreasing the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19.

The RWA will continue responding to water main breaks and conducting infrastructure maintenance during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the company asks that customers not schedule in-home appointments or visit RWA locations if anyone in their household is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, has recently been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 or has traveled to a location identified as high-risk by the CDC.

The company prepares emergency plans and conducts trainings and simulations throughout the year for many different types of unexpected issues. The RWA has an Infectious Disease Business Continuity Plan to guide response to outbreaks such as the one currently occurring around the world.