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Drinking Water Program
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COVID-19 Resources for Public Water Systems
The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program provides the following COVID-19 resources for Maine’s Public Water Systems:
Frequently Asked Questions
DWP Emailed Alerts
- (May 12, 2020): LAST CALL: Survey for Cloth Face Covers and PPE; questionnaire for systems looking to secure cloth face coverings and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, etc.). If interested, please fill in and submit the questionnaire by Monday, May 18th. If your system has already filled in the survey you don’t need to do it again.
- (May 4, 2020): Needs Survey for Cloth Face Covers and PPE; questionnaire for systems looking to secure cloth face coverings and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, etc.). If interested, please fill in and submit the questionnaire by Monday, May 11th.
- (May 4, 2020): Reminder – Seasonal Systems Delayed Openings due to COVID-19; important guideline reminders for seasonal systems opening later than usual in 2020.
- (April 17, 2020): Water System Startup Procedures for Vacant Buildings/Establishments; guidance for restarting water systems after extended closure to ensure water safety. Maintianing or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use (PDF)
- (April 13, 2020): 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 9, 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 6, 2020): Upcoming Webinar: COVID-19 Planning and Response: Preview of EPA’s Pandemic Incident Action Checklist for Water Utilities; a webinar hosted by the EPA for small and medium-sized water systems to review the recently released Pandemic Incident Action Checklist (this webinar has already occurred, click ‘Click Here to Register’ to register and view the recording of this webinar).
- (April 3, 2020): Notification to Seasonal Public Water Systems Regarding Seasonal Startup; guidance for seasonal public water systems that will have a delayed opening in 2020.
- (March 27, 2020) COVID-19 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. Approved Off-the-Shelf Bleach Products for the Disinfection of Potable Water (PDF)
- (March 20, 2020) COVID-19 Questions and Answers for Water and Wastewater; Questions and answers regarding COVID-19 in relation to drinking water, waste management, and private wells.
- (March 17, 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. Approved Off-the-Shelf Bleach Products for the Disinfection of Potable Water (PDF)
- (March 16, 2020) COVID-19 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 9, 2020) COVID-19 Resources for Public Water Systems; Additional resources and guidance to help prepare for potential impacts to water system operations and disease outbreak.
Planning Documents
- Incident Action Checklist – Pandemic Incidents
- Pandemic Flu Guide
- Business Continuity Planning for Water Utilities: Guidance Document
- World Health Organization’s Water Safety Plans
- EPA Community Water System Emergency Response Plan Templates
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. As a MEWARN member, you will receive rapid aid and assistance in the event of an emergency. If you are a Public Water System and you haven’t done so already, consider joining MEWARN. For membership or other information, contact MEWARN at (207) 380-7324 or (207) 841-8920 or visit the official 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:
