Responding to COVID-19
COVID-19 does not impact the quality or supply of your drinking water. Your tap water meets strict state and federal water quality guidelines. Please see the bottom of this page for additional information regarding water quality.
In an abundance of caution and to safeguard the health and safety of its employees and the community, the Orange County Water District is responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by implementing measures to reduce the risk of workplace transmission.
OCWD supports the concept of social distancing to reduce the possibility of contact between individuals who are or may be carrying a contagious disease. As such, OCWD will suspend group tours of all of its facilities, suspend all staff travel, cancel and suspend planning for all District events, suspend staff participation in speakers’ bureau engagements and community outreach events, remotely participate in external meetings, and conduct internal meetings either remotely or in a manner that adheres to the appropriate CDC-recommended practice of social distancing.
As this is an emerging situation that is rapidly evolving, OCWD’s safety plan is subject to change based on new information and guidance.
What is the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected across the globe, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including death. Older people and those with underlying health conditions seem to be at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
Does COVID-19 affect water used for irrigation?
OCWD's Green Acres Project (GAP) is a water reuse effort that provides recycled water for landscape irrigation and industrial uses to the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Santa Ana.
GAP water is filtered and then disinfected with chlorine per state requirements in order to kill pathogens like the novel coronavirus. Similar enveloped viruses like the original SARS coronavirus have been shown to be very susceptible to chlorination.
For additional information on OCWD's GAP program, please visit https://www.ocwd.com/what-we-do/water-reuse/green-acres-project/.
How can I learn more about my water quality?
Water providers are required to provide their customers an annual water quality report (sometimes called a consumer confidence report). Contact your water provider or visit OCWD's local water providers page to view a copy of this report.
Should I buy bottled water?
While it is always advisable to stock bottled water at home in case of emergencies that disrupt the water supply, OCWD does not expect this health outbreak to disrupt service to local water providers.
Where can I find additional information regarding COVID-19?
For additional information regarding COVID-19, please visit the following websites:
Information updated 12/7/2020
