Coronavirus and Drinking Water

There is no higher priority for Lake County Public Works than protecting the quality of the water that is delivered to you. We are providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water to provide clarity to our customers. According to the EPA, the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies and based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. You can continue to use and drink water from your tap as usual.

The EPA has established regulations with treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens, such as viruses, from contaminating drinking water. Coronoavirus (COVID-19) is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection; standard treatment and disinfectant processes are expected to be effective. The EPA is coordinating with our federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will continue to provide technical assistance and support, as appropriate.

Is drinking tap water safe?

The EPA recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the "presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies and based on current evidence the risk to water supplies is low." Additionally, according to the CDC, COVID-19 contamination is mainly thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another. Further, the EPA’s drinking water regulations require treatment at public water systems to remove or kill pathogens, including viruses.

Do I need to boil my drinking water?

Boiling your water is not required as a precaution against COVID-19.

Is tap water safe to use for hand washing?

The EPA recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. According to the CDC, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read CDC’s handwashing guidance.

What should I do if I’m concerned about my drinking water?

WHO has stated that the "presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies and based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low." Homeowners may contact Lake County Public Works (847-377-7500) to learn more about treatments being used. Treatments could include filtration and disinfectants, such as chlorine, that remove or kill pathogens before they reach the tap.

Do I need to buy bottled water or store drinking water?

The EPA recommends that citizens continue to use and drink tap water as usual. At this time, there are no indications that COVID-19 is in the drinking water supply or will affect the reliable supply of water.

What is the EPA’s role in ensuring drinking water remains safe?

The EPA has established regulations with treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens, such as viruses, from contaminating drinking water. These treatment requirements include filtration and disinfectants, such as chlorine, that remove or kill pathogens before the reach the tap. Additionally, WHO notes that "conventional, centralized water treatment methods which utilize filtration and disinfection should inactivate COVID-19 virus."

The EPA will also continue to coordinate with our federal partners, including the CDC, and will continue to provide technical assistance and support to states, as appropriate.

For more information on Lake Michigan water, please visit CLCJAWA.