COVID-19 Resources for Public Water Systems

As the COVID-19 pandemic crisis unfolded in 2020, the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program provided the following resources for Maine’s Public Water Systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Information, Updates, and Guidance from the DWP

• PPE Resource – Free N95 Masks Available to Small & Rural Systems (August 12, 2020)


• Reminder – Seasonal Systems Delayed Openings due to COVID-19  Important guideline reminders for seasonal systems opening later than usual in 2020. (May 4, 2020)


• Water System Startup Procedures for Vacant Buildings/Establishments  Guidance for restarting water systems after extended closure to ensure water safety. (April 17, 2020)
  Attachment: Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use (PDF)


• Potential Staffing Shortages  Suggestions from the DWP on troubleshooting potential employee shortages during the COVID-19 situation. (April 13, 2020)


• Bacteria Sampling at Outside Taps/Spigots/Hose Bibs and Hydrants  Guidance on outside sampling and special precautions to take. (April 13, 2020)


• Access Letter for Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers  A letter generated by the DWP for essential critical infrastructure workers within the Water Sector to print and keep handy order to facilitate passage to their intended destination. (April 9, 2020)


• Notification to Seasonal Public Water Systems Regarding Seasonal Startup  Guidance for seasonal public water systems that will have a delayed opening in 2020. (April 3, 2020)


• Municipal Guidance: Designation of Critical Infrastructure Workers  A memo identifying essential critical infrastructure workers who play an essential role in sustaining and protecting their communities during emergency events. (March 27, 2020)


• MEWARN Alert RE: Potential Shortage of Disinfection Products   MEWARN’s guidance on what water systems should consider if resupplying becomes difficult. (March 27, 2020)
  Attachment: Approved Off-the-Shelf Bleach Products for the Disinfection of Potable Water (PDF)


• Questions and Answers for Water and Wastewater  Questions and answers regarding COVID-19 in relation to drinking water, waste management, and private wells. (March 20, 2020)


• Follow-Up Guidance on Sampling During COVID-19 Emergency  Questions answered for water systems on how to conduct routine sampling during the COVID-19 emergency. (March 17, 2020)
  Attachment: Approved Off-the-Shelf Bleach Products for the Disinfection of Potable Water (PDF)


• Potential Shortages of Disinfection Products  Information on approved chemicals that may be used to disinfect public water supplies in light of the potential shortages. (March 16, 2020)


• Resources for Public Water Systems  Additional resources and guidance to help prepare for potential impacts to water system operations and disease outbreak. (March 9, 2020)

Planning Documents

• Incident Action Checklist – Pandemic Incidents (PDF)
• Pandemic Flu Guide (PDF)
• Business Continuity Planning for Water Utilities: Guidance Document (PDF)
• World Health Organization’s Water Safety Plans (PDF)
• Community Water System Emergency Response Plan Templates (EPA) (PDF)

Maine Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MEWARN)

As a statewide network of utilities helping utilities, MEWARN can be an import asset when pandemics such as COVID-19 arise. The network is available to all public and private water and wastewater systems in Maine with no fee for participation. MEWARN members receive rapid aid and assistance in the event of an emergency. Public Water Systems are strongly advised to consider joining MEWARN. For membership or other information, contact MEWARN: Phone (207) 380-7324 or (207) 841-8920, or visit the MEWARN Website.

Other Resources

• For general information about COVID-19, call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or email info@211maine.org.
• For the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Maine, public health guidance and resources, please visit our Maine CDC COVID-19 page.
• For additional resources and up-to-date information, please visit:
  • U.S. CDC COVID-19 website
  • EPA COVID-19 website
  • National Rural Water Association COVID-19 website

Updated 12/28/2022