Maine CDC Drinking Water Program Update: COVID-19 - Potential Shortages of Disinfection Products

COVID-19 - Potential Shortages of Disinfection Products

With the World Health Organization’s recognition of COVID-19 as a pandemic, the likelihood that this pandemic will affect logistics and supply chains is unavoidable.  Given this potential vulnerability, the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Drinking Water Program (DWP) advises Public Water Systems to check inventory to ensure that your system is adequately supplied in preparation for the potential shortage of replacement parts and chemicals; specifically, NSF certified bleach and/or sodium hypochlorite.

As we face a lengthy recovery period, these potential shortages may grow exponentially over time.  As part of the emergency planning process, PWS should have plans in place to address these concerns.  The documents attached to this email contain information on approved chemicals that may be used to disinfect public water supplies in light of the potential shortages.  These materials can also be downloaded from our website: www.medwp.com > Public Water Systems > Treatment.

Please remember that all chemicals used for treating drinking water must be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 60, and all products that come in contact with drinking water (tanks, piping, fittings, etc.) must be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61.  This requirement ensures that only products that have been tested and certified to be safe are used.

If you are a Public Water System and you haven’t done so already, consider joining the Maine Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MEWARN).  MEWARN can be an important asset when emergencies arise.  This network is available to all public and private water and wastewater systems in Maine with no fee for participation.  MEWARN allows systems to receive rapid aid and assistance in the event of an emergency.  For membership or other information, contact MEWARN at (207) 737-4092 or https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/meWARN.shtml.

• Clorox_Concentrated_Dosage_Guidance-03162020.pdf
• Drinking_Water_Chemicals_and_Additives-Quality_Assurance-03162020.pdf