MEWARN Alert RE Potential Shortage of Disinfection Products

COVID-19 Emergency Response Alert: Potential Shortages of Disinfection Products

Public water systems should plan and prepare accordingly as demand for bleach increases due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and bleach approved for use in drinking water is becoming harder to get.  Currently, public water systems using large chemical suppliers for 12.5% sodium-hypochlorite are not reporting any issues, but some systems using bottled bleach are finding it difficult to resupply.  Water systems should consider the following:

• Check with your supplier(s) about availability, delivery lead times, and alternative concentrations of bleach available (see notes below regarding dilution and transferring bleach).
• Keep a close eye on your bleach inventory levels and place your orders early to give your supplier(s) time to get the products you need.
• Work with local stores to request notifications/first refusal of bleach when shipments come in;
• Check with neighboring systems to see if they can assist you.
• If you are a small system using bottled bleach, reach out to a larger local water utility that uses 12.5% hypochlorite that may be able to provide you with some to get by (see notes below regarding dilution and transferring bleach).
• Check the DWP website for an updated list of “off the shelf” approved bleach.
• Review emergency response plans.
• Ask users to conserve water if you are running low between bleach deliveries.
• Contact your DWP inspector if your supply is getting low and restocking may be problematic.
• MEWARN members can contact Matt Demers, MEWARN Coordinator, for assistance at 207-380-7324 or 207-841-8920.
• If not a member of MEWARN, consider joining to expand your potential available resources.

Maine Rural Water Association and the DWP have guidance for using a bleach product with a different concentration, and for transferring approved bleach from one container to another to maintain its rating.  When handling any chemical proper PPE should be used to prevent injury.

Maine’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MEWARN) is a state-wide network of utilities helping utilities to:

• Prepare for the next natural or man-made emergency.
• Organize response according to established guidelines.
• Share personnel and equipment statewide.

Please take a minute to email me if you are having trouble getting your bleach supply, have any questions on MEWARN, or if you are having any COVID-19 related issues at your system.

Thank you,
Matt Demers, MEWARN & MRWA
Email mdemers@mainerwa.org
Phone 207-380-7324

 

URLs

1. Approved Bleach Products for Disinfection:
    https://tinyurl.com/medwp-abpd

2. MEWARN (Maine's Water/WastewaterAgency Response Network):
    https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/meWARN.shtml

3. Using Off-the-Shelf Bleach:
    https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.mainerwa.org/resource/resmgr/covid19/using_off_the_shelf_bleach__.pdf

4. Procedure for Transferring and Distributing Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals:
    https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.mainerwa.org/resource/resmgr/covid19/transferring_and_distributui.pdf