According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no current evidence that the COVID-19 virus survives the disinfection process for wastewater. HRSD employees at wastewater treatment facilities continue to follow CDC guidance for safe work practices, including using engineering and administrative controls, practicing basic hygiene precautions and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

The risk of transmission through feces is expected to be low based on data from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). There have been no reports of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 to date. Currently, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 through the sewer system is extremely low.

Human pathogens are always present in raw wastewater, which is why HRSD uses the treatment processes currently in place at all plants. COVID-19 is a type of virus that, like other viruses, is vulnerable to the disinfection treatment process in use at HRSD facilities.

HRSD employees who can work from home have the option of doing so. For those who continue to work within HRSD facilities, we are adhering to CDC safety guidelines - maintaining the recommended six-feet of distance between individuals, conducting meetings by phone and/or video, encouraging frequent hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer and frequent cleaning of shared surfaces and facilities.

Our employees who work at wastewater treatment facilities follow established best management practices established by the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to prevent exposure to wastewater. These include safe work practices and wearing PPE when working around untreated wastewater.

HRSD has suspended all facility tours, including the SWIFT Research Center for the foreseeable future. While our payment lobby remains open to accept payments, we encourage all customers to consider making payments by phone, mail or online to limit potential exposure and spread of COVID-19.

The public health emergency we are under due to the COVID-19 pandemic makes the services provided by HRSD even more vital to protecting our communities. Effective wastewater treatment remains critical to reducing public health threats that come from waterborne diseases.

We at HRSD remain on the job, fully maintaining operations throughout the region to protect our communities, affirming our commitment to serving the 1.8 million people of southeastern Virginia who rely upon us to effectively treat more than 150 million gallons of wastewater daily. Field crews also continue to manage emergencies as they arise to ensure reliable, continuous wastewater service.

Follow CDC guidelines to decrease viral spread. And, help avoid blockages in the sewage system so that the wastewater leaving your home can continue to flow to our facilities where it can be effectively and safely treated. You can do your part by only flushing the three Ps -- (toilet) paper, pee, and poop. Wipes, personal hygiene items, diapers and all other items should be thrown away. Also, please don’t put fats, oils or grease down the drain.