The following is a summary of recently updated information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addressing some frequently answered questions with regards to exposure to SARS-CoV-2 — the viral pathogen responsible for COVID-19 — in wastewater, drinking water and treated recreational water such as pools and spas.

Can I be Exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Drinking Water?

The virus responsible for COVID-19 has to date not been found in drinking water supplies. Conventional water treatment technologies used by most water utilities incorporate disinfection and filtration processes to kill and/or remove pathogens in order to render water safe to drink. These processes should also be effective at eradicating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. More info on the risk COVID-19 poses in drinking water can be found here.

Can the SARS-CoV-2 Virus be Transmitted via Feces?

While SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the stools of some COVID-19 patients, scientist are still unsure whether the virus can be transmitted person to person via this route, and if so, how much of a risk this poses. However, based on observations of previous coronavirus outbreaks such as SARS and MERS, they suspect the risk to be low.

Similarly, the virus has also been detected in untreated wastewater. But scientists are not sure whether exposure to contaminated wastewater or sewage could cause a person to become ill with COVID-19. There is currently no evidence to support transmission via this route, and while the risk via exposure to contaminated sewage and wastewater is debatable, it is believed to be low.

Can I be Exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Through Water-based Recreational Activities?

Some people are understandably concerned that they could come into contact with the novel coronavirus when swimming in public pools or water parks, or while relaxing in a hot tub or spa. However, there currently is no evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV2 can be spread via these facilities as they generally use chlorine and/or bromine to disinfect water and kill pathogenic viruses, which should include the virus responsible for COVID-19.

The CDC points out that users of water-based recreational facilities should follow recommended safety guidelines to protect both themselves and other users, and operators of these facilities should take additional measures to ensure water quality and public safety by following the interim guidelines for the cleaning and disinfecting community facilities.

Can I Still Wash my Hands in Tap Water if a Boil Water Advisory is Issued?

While it is unsafe to drink tap water when a Boil Water Advisory is issued, according to the CDC, it is generally safe to continue washing your hands with soap and water from your tap. Follow recommended guidelines issued by your local public health department. If it is not possible to use soap and water to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%.

During a Boil Water Advisory, tap water used for drinking water must be bought to a rolling boil to kill off any pathogens that may be present. Alternatively, it can be filtered with a good quality drinking water filter that is capable of removing harmful contaminants, including viruses, before drinking. The Big Berkey range of water filters have been proven to remove over 99.9999% of viruses, as well as pathogenic parasites, bacteria, and many other harmful contaminants that we are routinely exposed to in our drinking water.