From handwashing to hydration, water is essential when it comes to combating COVID-19. As residents in metropolitan Washington take measures to stay healthy and slow the spread of COVID-19, area water utilities have been working to ensure continuity of operations.

Here are a few important things to know about the region‘s water and water infrastructure during this time:

Our Water is Safe

COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Water and wastewater is treated with chlorine, which inactivates the virus. The region’s water continues to meet all EPA and state health department safety standards.

The annual spring cleaning of water pipes has begun in some parts of the region to clean out the tap water network. This process does not affect water quality, and safety levels continue to be monitored. The cleaning runs from March 30 to May 4.
 

Monday 3/30, our annual Chlorine Switch begins and will run through May 4. During that time, drinking water may taste slightly different, but the purification process remains the same, and the water is essentially unchanged. Click to learn more about this annual process.

— DC Water (@dcwater) March 27, 2020

Protect Your Pipes

While frequent cleaning of surfaces, knobs, and other commonly touched areas is encouraged, especially during the pandemic, flushing wipes, whether labeled flushable or non-flushable, is strongly discouraged. Wipes, along with paper towels and napkins, are clogging the sewer systems and the pipes in residents’ homes.

COG is coordinating with members through its Community Engagement Campaign, to distribute messaging reminding residents to throw wipes in the trash. Every Wednesday, COG and partners share this messaging on social media. For more information and resources, visit: www.protectyourpipes.org 
 

When you use disinfecting wipes, remember to always throw them in the trash, DO NOT flush them down the toilet. Not only are they causing us problems in our sewer system, they can also clog your pipes causing you a sewer backup. https://t.co/hXI72ja3Pe

— WSSC Water (@WSSCWaterNews) April 14, 2020

Let's Work Together to Save the Pipes from the Wipes https://t.co/BvEzO7Aka4#pyp #wipesclogpipes #StayHomeDMV #dmvCOVOID19 pic.twitter.com/iPBbHPdTWB

— Fairfax Water (@fairfax_water) April 15, 2020

We’re in this together. Keep out cleaning wipes, supposedly “flushable” wipes, dental floss, paper towels and all the other threats to sewer lines and your pipes. Only flush toilet paper. #WipesClogPipes #PYP https://t.co/uL2u1DmFQM pic.twitter.com/PiNcMEw1ol

— COG (@MWCOG) April 15, 2020

Water Scams

Water utilities are warning customers about water-related scams currently happening in the region. The scams include phone calls advertising water filters that can protect residents from COVID-19, at-home visits from false water technicians, and emails asking for bank information to keep water service on. Check with your water provider to confirm any information or requests.

If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, call your local police non-emergency number and report it.

For more information and resources, visit the COG COVID-19 page.