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• Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Staffing Resources
• Coronavirus and Public Drinking Water

Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Staffing Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources wants to remind Iowa communities of the resources available to their drinking water and wastewater systems for continued operation if their drinking water and wastewater treatment staff become ill.  The following resources are available: 

• A list of available operators and their contact information by geographical location can be found on the Iowa Operator Certification Interactive Web Site;
• Contact Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities at (515)210-8156 or (515)556-7329;
• Contact Iowa Rural Water Association at (641)787-0330; and
• Contact your local Iowa DNR Field Office.

Coronavirus and Public Drinking Water

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to public drinking water to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Iowans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.  The Iowa DNR recommends obtaining your potable water from your tap as much as possible to conserve bottled water for emergency situations if needed.  

"Common disinfection methods and drinking water treatment are expected to be effective for inactivation of coronaviruses when executed properly," said Corey McCoid, supervisor of the Iowa DNR Water Supply Operations Section. “We will collectively work with utility operators to ensure public health and environmental protection.”

Stay up to date on the latest news regarding coronavirus with the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).