The consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic are felt worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the latest safety guidelines concerning drinking water in the context of its possible contamination with the coronavirus. According to the WHO, there is no evidence for the SARS-Cov-2 virus surviving in drinking water, and the process of water disinfection ensures rapid inactivation (loss of activity) of the COVID-19 virus.
Coronaviruses are responsible for 10-20% of all colds and so-called "Flu infections". According to available scientific literature, they are characterized by low resistance to UV radiation and disinfectants commonly used in technological water treatment processes, such as chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine dioxide. Furthermore, viruses of this type, like other suspended particles of this size, are removed from water in the course of the coagulation process (a process consisting in destabilizing colloidal molecules caused by the addition of chemical reagents called coagulants). Such processes are used by water treatment plants in Poland, which they inform about in messages presented on their websites.
Water intended for human consumption, supplied from a collective water supply system, is safe for both consumption and economic purposes.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, causingCOVID-19, like many other viruses, can be found in wastewater. Standard disinfection methods are enough to eliminate the virus.
Municipal sewage, due to the fact of being created in households, public utility facilities, hospitals, schools, shops, service facilities, etc., carries millions of viruses, bacteria, parasites, as well as toxic and poisonous substances. It constitutes the daily reality of sewage system operators, which is why employees use proper protective measures. Any virus present in wastewater is largely removed by wastewater treatment. Disinfection procedures and chlorination, used in sewage treatment plants as a standard, are enough to eliminate the virus.
The text of the WHO guidelines can be found at:
Additional information can also be found here:
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