WVWD recommends that customers 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.” Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is mainly thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another. WVWD employees do not come into contact with the water supply and the District has taken precautions to practice social distancing among the workforce.
Can COVID-19 get into my drinking water?
WVWD imports their drinking water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California who uses a multi-step treatment process that includes filtration and disinfection using ozone and chlorine. This advanced process removes and kills viruses, including coronaviruses, as well as bacteria and other pathogens. Ongoing monitoring demonstrates that Metropolitan’s treated water meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water standards and regulations, which require removal of over 99.99% of viruses. COVID-19 is transmitted person-to-person, not through water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WVWD also performs a variety of treatment measures to uphold the standard of clean and reliable drinking water.
Do I have to pay my water bill?
Yes. WVWD is mindful of the financial hardships and economic insecurity during this pandemic and has implemented steps to assist customers. Late fees will not be included and Payment Extension Forms have been made available.
For further assistance please contact Customer Service at (909) 595-7554.
What does closed to the public mean?
In compliance with safer at home and social distancing measures, WVWD has closed its offices to the public. Customers will not be able to access the customer service lobby or the administration building in-person and all community events and classes have been postponed.
Customers can still connect with WVWD in a variety of ways that include:
- WVWD website – a variety of features such as paying your bill online are available
- Talk to a District representative via telephone at (909) 595-7554
- Following the District on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates and activities. Like us @WVWDh20
Can WVWD continue treating and delivering water if COVID-19 spreads?
WVWD maintains an extensive system of reservoirs, canals, and pipelines to deliver safe and reliable water supplies to the local community. This system includes multiple layers of redundancy to ensure continued deliveries, even during a disruption. WVWD also maintains frequently tested plans and systems for emergency response and business continuity to guide operations, including responding to pandemic outbreaks.
To address the concerns about COVID-19, WVWD has taken several steps to protect the health of its employees, minimize potential exposure and avoid widespread impacts on our workforce. WVWD has also ensured it has the necessary backup equipment, supplies and treatment chemicals in the event of disruptions to the supply chain for these items. The WVWD is also capable of being operated remotely reinforcing the reliability of the water supply.
What is WVWD doing to assist customers with financial hardship related to COVID-19?
WVWD is mindful of the financial hardships some of our customers may face due to this unforeseen circumstance. The District has discontinued all shutoffs related to non-payment, has temporarily suspended charging any late fees or penalties and has made a Payment Extension Form available to our customers. For further assistance, please contact a Customer Service Representative at (909) 595-7554.
Are the chemicals WVWD uses to treat drinking water harmful?
No, the chemicals used to treat your drinking water are not harmful. The drinking water delivered to your home is safe for the entire family.
WVWD does not treat the water with fluoride. Our drinking water is imported from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California who has adjusted the natural fluoride level in its water supplies to the recommended optimum range of 0.7 to 0.8 mg/L (or ppm) per the recommendations from the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At this range, fluoridation has proven to be safe to drink and effective to help prevent tooth decay.
WVWD uses a chloramine residual to disinfect drinking water before it enters the distribution system to protect against microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
Do I need to boil my drinking water?
No, boiling your water is not required.
Do I need to filter my drinking water?
No, filtering your water is not required.
I don’t like the taste of my tap water, what should I do?
To enhance the taste of your water simply add slices of lemon, lime, or your favorite fruit.
Is tap water safe to use for handwashing?
WVWD recommends that customers continue to use and drink tap water as usual. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read CDC’s handwashing guidance.
What should I do if I’m concerned about my drinking water?
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.”
Homeowners that receive their water from WVWD are encouraged to read the Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report to learn about the process that removes bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Customers may also contact the District at (909) 595-7554 for specific questions related to their drinking water.
Do I need to buy bottled water or store drinking water?
No, WVWD encourages customers to have an emergency kit. However, WVWD recommends that customers continue to use and drink tap water as usual. At this time, there are no indications that COVID-19 is in the drinking water supply or will affect reliability. WVWD has taken measures to plan for unforeseen circumstances to ensure safe water delivery 24/7.
What is WVWD’s role in ensuring drinking water remains safe?
WVWD must meet stringent state and federal regulations established by agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requirements for public water systems, like WVWD, include treatments that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water. These treatment requirements include filtration and disinfectants such as chlorine that remove or kill pathogens before they reach the tap. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that “conventional, centralized water treatment methods which utilize filtration and disinfection should inactivate COVID-19 virus.”
