Q: Is COVID-19 affecting Maine Water’s ability to provide clean, safe drinking water?
Q: Can I get COVID-19 from tap water?
Q: Do I need to boil my drinking water?
Q: What if I or someone in my household has COVID-19, cold or flu-like symptoms and I have a scheduled field service appointment?
Q: What should I do if I have a financial hardship and can’t pay my water bill?
Q: Where can I get more information on Coronavirus/COVID-19?
Q: Is COVID-19 affecting Maine Water’s ability to provide clean, safe drinking water?
We continue to provide clean, safe drinking water.
We have well established emergency contingency and business continuity plans that anticipate illness outbreaks and other situations that could affect our operations. As result of this prudent planning, the vast majority of workforce is able to work remotely, minimizing their risk of catching COVID-19, while being able to perform their normal duties.
Q: Can I get COVID-19 from tap water?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the, “presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies and based on current evidence the risk to water supplies is low.”1 Additionally, according to the CDC, COVID-19 is mainly thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another. Further, EPA’s drinking water regulations require treatment at public water systems to remove or kill pathogens, including viruses.
All surface water sources used by Maine Water use filtration and a disinfectant to treat the water before it is delivered to customers. Disinfection is provided to inactivate a minimum of 99.99% of all viruses. Water from groundwater sources, or wells, is filtered naturally as it passes through the soil. Chlorination of well supplies provides additional protection against viruses and other disease causing microorganisms.
Q: Do I need to boil my drinking water?
No. Boiling your water is not required as a precaution against COVID-19. The United States EPA recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual.
We ask that you consider rescheduling the appointment for a later date. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers and keeping our employees out situations where the virus may be present will help to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.
If you or someone in your household has COVID-19, or is suspected of having COVID-19 based on an exposure or recent travel, please call and reschedule the appointment for a later date after the quarantine period has ended.
Q: What should I do if I have a financial hardship and can’t pay my water bill?
We are ready to work with any customers who may be facing financial hardships to set up deferred payment arrangements. Please call us at 1-800-287-1643.
Q: Where can I get more information on Coronavirus/COVID-19?
There are several helpful links on the Centers for Disease Control website: www.cdc.gov
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