The Covid 19 Coronavirus is affecting all our lives. VVWRA urges residents to heed the warnings of government and health officials.  To learn more about the local response and to locate testing and vaccination sites, go to the San Bernardino County Covid 19 site.

Can I get COVID-19 from wastewater or sewage?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that “there is no evidence to date that COVID-19 virus has been transmitted via sewerage systems, with or without wastewater treatment.”

Do wastewater treatment plants treat COVID-19?

Yes, wastewater treatment plants treat viruses and other pathogens. COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection. Standard treatment and disinfectant processes at wastewater treatment plants are expected to be effective.

Will my septic system treat COVID-19?

While decentralized wastewater treatment (i.e., septic tanks) do not disinfect, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects a properly managed septic system to treat COVID-19 the same way it safely manages other viruses often found in wastewater. Additionally, when properly installed, a septic system is located at a distance and location designed to avoid impacting a water supply well.

                                                                                        Source: EPA     

Useful links:

US Govt Coronavirus website

CDC Coronavirus (Covid 19) page

CDC Coronavirus and Wastewater

San Bernardino County Dept. of Public Health

Water Environment Federation

Environmental Protection Agency