News from Montecito Water District
The provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions is essential to protecting human health during any infectious disease outbreak, including the current 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Montecito Water District (MWD) is prepared for the rapidly evolving situation and is actively monitoring guidance from local, national, and global health organizations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies, and based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual, confirms the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We want to reassure all of our customers that we are delivering water that meets the highest water quality standards, and we have plans in place to ensure that will continue,” said MWD General Manager Nick Turner. “We are fully equipped to supply the community’s water needs – we want everyone to focus on staying healthy.”
While it’s always advisable to stock bottled water at home in the event of an emergency that could disrupt water supply, MWD expects no impacts to service from the current public health incident. The District follows regulated water treatment and disinfection processes to prevent pathogens, which includes viruses, from contaminating drinking water. Given its responsibility to deliver clean, safe, and reliable water to the communities of Montecito and Summerland, Montecito Water District has plans in place for handling emergencies of this type.
Montecito Water District is taking extra precautions. In the coming days to weeks, there will be changes in regular daily operations. Changes include office closure and teleconferenced board meetings. These changes are temporary and are for the health and safety of the public and MWD’s staff during these extraordinary times.
Some of the changes, such as office closure, may require customers to engage with the District in new ways. The District is able to provide customer service via phone, email, and the internet. Questions can be directed to (805) 969-2271 or customerservice@montecitowater.com.
At a Special Board Meeting held Monday, March 16, Directors indicated that they fully intend to keep moving forward on important initiatives. Teleconferencing information is now included on meeting agendas to allow any member of the public the opportunity to participate remotely. Public participation is vital, and process, strategies and timeline will be evaluated as the current public health situation evolves. The most current information will be available on the District’s website: www.montecitowater.com.
To provide more information and updates about coronavirus and your water, the District has created a web page: www.montecitowater.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-water/, which includes links to public health and water industry websites.
