COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, has created a massive health and economic crisis around the world. During a crisis, it is easy to get false information or highly exaggerated facts.
We, at Robert B. Hill Co, want to help spread real facts and information about COVID-19 and the water treatment industry. Getting the facts will help you make an informed decision on your water treatment and water consumption needs in the following months.
I have some plumbing scheduled at my home or office. Should I be concerned about letting a plumber into my house or facility? What about plumbing parts made in China?
Water treatment services have been deemed essential by the Department of Homeland security. This is because water quality is essential to the health of our society.
You have every right to be concerned about letting a person into your home or business. But, rest assured, plumbers and water treatment specialists are taking the highest precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19.
Some of those precautions include:
- Washing hands on a frequent basis throughout the day
- Using hand sanitizer before and after each call
- Providing porch and garage deliveries whenever possible
- Even while on-site, communicate with you electronically as needed
- Avoid coming within 6 feet of customers or others, particularly no contact and no shaking hands -- complete social distancing
- Using protective gloves and foot protection
We highly suggest contacting the plumbing company before the appointment and asking what measures they are taking to prevent contamination. You will find that most, if not all, are going above and beyond to make sure you are safe.
The WQA has provided our industry professionals with technical guidance on how to avoid contributing to the spread of COVID-19 during installation and service calls. Rest assured, your home or business will be safe during and service or installation appointment.
A company is trying to sell me a water treatment system that kills viruses. Can COVID-19 be spread through drinking water at my home or business?
Salespeople often use "scare tactics" to try to get you to buy their products. The truth is, there is no evidence COVID-19 can be transferred through public drinking water.
Moreover, public drinking water is treated to kill viruses and bacteria before it is sent to your home.
A water treatment system is essential for a number of other reasons, but don't be scared into one by false information.
What about people on a private water supply or well?
Again, there has been no evidence that COVID-19 can be transferred through any water supply. However, that does not mean your private water system is safe.
All private water systems should be tested for dangerous chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants. Often, a water treatment system is highly suggested to remove things like hardness, iron, arsenic, lead, and others.
I understand COVID-19 can't be spread through the water supply, but should I still get a water treatment system to protect against other viruses and bacteria?
Although the US water system is one of the best in the world, it is not without faults. There are dozens of stories every year of people being served contaminated water by the public water systems.
Moreover, much like COVID-19, we are discovering new viruses, bacteria, and other potentially harmful contaminants every year.
A water treatment system like reverse osmosis and a UV filter can give your home or business added protection. These can filter out additional sediment and contaminants and kill harmful viruses and bacteria leaving you with the highest purity drinking water.
Should I stock up on plastic water bottles just in case?
No. Your tap water is as safe as it was before COVID-19. Stocking up on items needlessly leads to a shortage for those who truly need it.
Other Suggestions
Remember, we live in a digital world where information is shared around the world in seconds. However, not all that information is factual and can lead to fear, anxiety, and paranoia.
To date, there has been no known spread of COVID-19 through drinking water or water treatment services. You should feel safe about drinking tap water or having service done at your home or business.
Follow the CDC guidelines of washing your hands often, social distancing, and practicing good hygiene and make sure you get factual information from reputable sources to make the best decisions.
