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1. Is my tap water safe to drink?

Yes, your tap water is safe to drink.  COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water supplies.  The ACC Public Utilities Department (PUD) follows EPA regulations for water treatment that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water.  The standard treatment and disinfectant processes used by the PUD are expected to remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19, which is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection.

2. Should I purchase bottled water?

No, there is no reason to stock up on bottled water in response to COVID-19.  The PUD does not foresee any disruptions in services for the distribution or collection of water due to COVID-19.  We will continue to deliver clean, safe, quality drinking water throughout Athens.  The delivery of clean, safe water and its collection is essential to the health and economy of Athens.  Whether you are washing your hands, making a pot of coffee, or flushing a toilet, we are working to provide you with this vital resource.

3. Do I need to boil my water?

COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water supplies.  Boiling water is not required to prevent the transmission of the virus.

 

4. Will my water be turned off for non-payment?

Access to running water for handwashing is vital to slowing the spread of COVID-19.  To curtail the transmission of the virus, the PUD suspended water shut-offs for non-payment for 60 days, effective March 13, 2020.  Residents who had been disconnected for non-payment had services restored.  The PUD extended the grace period, but this ends Monday, August 31, 2020, when disconnects will resume.  The PUD understands financial hardships for many are enduring.  Customers with delinquent accounts are encouraged to contact the Water Business Office and make payment arrangements to pay the overdue balance.  For questions regarding water shut-off, please call 706-613-3500.  Please note that unpaid balances and new charges for water consumption accrued on the delinquent accounts. 

5. Can the COVID-19 virus spread through the collection system?

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.”   COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection. Standard treatment and disinfectant processes at the ACC water reclamation facilities are expected to be effective.

 

6. Where can I find more information regarding drinking water and COVID-19?

For more information regarding the safety of your water and COVID-19, please click the following links:

EPA Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater

CDC Water Transmission and COVID-19