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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
- (August 12, 2020): PPE Resource – Free N95 Masks Available to Small & Rural Systems
- (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. Maintaining 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 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:
