Regional Water Agencies Continue to Provide Safe, Quality Water

Amid the growing concerns over COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus), water providers in the San Bernardino basin continue to provide safe, quality drinking water to residents and businesses without interruption. San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department and East Valley Water District confirm safe water supply during this period of concern surrounding the Coronavirus.

Throughout the San Bernardino Valley, tap water is available, plentiful and safe. It is important for the people of the San Bernardino Valley to know that tap water delivered by water providers is tested daily, year-round to ensure the quality of water meets strict state and federal guidelines as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water. Water professionals use state-of-the-art technologies to filter and disinfect the water to protect the community from viruses and harmful bacteria. Additionally, reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the Coronavirus has not been detected in drinking water supplies.

The East Valley Water District (District) serves a community of over 103,000 residents within the City of Highland and portions of both the City and County of San Bernardino. The District’s state-of-the-art facility uses an ultra-filtration treatment method that can treat up to 8 million gallons of water a day.

“As the East Valley community’s water service provider, we embrace the great responsibility of delivering safe water and dependable service around the clock,” stated David Smith, Chairman of the East Valley Water District.

Established in 1905, the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department is the largest water supplier in the San Bernardino Valley, providing water services to over 200,000 residents in the City of San Bernardino and surrounding communities.

Toni Callicott, President of the City of San Bernardino Water Board, shared, “The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority. Our customers can trust the water from their tap is tested, treated and remains safe to drink and use. We will continue to provide reliable services as we closely monitor public health recommendations surrounding COVID-19.”

The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (Valley District) imports water from Northern California via the State Water Project and provides water to its retail water providers, including the East Valley Water District and the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. This water is typically put into the ground to be stored as groundwater and pumped out by municipal wells for use at a later time. Valley District does not anticipate a disruption in service or delivery of water to its retailers. While it is always advisable to stock bottled water at home in case of emergencies that disrupt water supplies, it is not expected that this health outbreak will disrupt services to customers in the region.

“Valley District’s role in importing water and providing it to our retailers and cities will not change as a result of the Coronavirus,” commented Valley District Board President T. Milford Harrison. “We have altered our operations in such a way that will protect the health and welfare of our employees and the general public, while continuing to move water throughout our 325 square mile service area. Our retailers can rest assured that the water they need will be there when they need it; and by extension, the general public should find reassurance in that as well.”

Residents and businesses are encouraged to contact their individual water provider to learn more about how they are responding to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The general public is encouraged to stay vigilant in order to remain healthy. Routine practices such as washing your hands for 20 seconds, covering your cough or sneeze, not shaking hands, and staying home if you think you are sick can help you, and those around you, remain healthy.