Page last updated: Week of June 24, 2024
This page will be updated periodically with limited general information, specific water-sector technical information, WEF events information, and links to trusted sites for the most up-to-date official information.
What we know today
To date, the scientific community has found no evidence of viable COVID-19 virus in wastewater systems.
Current efforts to elucidate numbers of infections in the community and support public health surveillance have relied on detecting the virus in wastewater using molecular techniques that identify genetic material (RNA), but this method does not assess virus viability or infectivity. Further, there is currently no epidemiological evidence that wastewater is a route of transmission.
While there is still a lot we don't know, it appears that contracting COVID-19 through exposure to wastewater is unlikely.
WEF is continuing to work on the matter of wastewater worker protection from disease causing microorganisms and pathogens, in general — especially via aerosols — by forming a Blue Ribbon Panel to address the issue of required personal protective equipment and protective work and hygiene practices.
WEF will continue to post the latest information on this page. See also “Biological Hazards at Wastewater Treatment Facilities,” which is Chapter 8 of WEF’s Manual Practice No. 1, Safety, Health, and Security in Wastewater Systems (Sixth Edition).
From the U.S. CDC
Currently, there is no evidence that coronavirus survives the disinfection process for drinking water and wastewater.
- The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water.
- 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).
- At this time, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 through sewerage systems is thought to be low.
No coronavirus-specific protections are recommended for employees involved in wastewater management operations, including those at
wastewater treatment facilities.
- Water resource recovery facility operations should ensure workers follow routine practices to prevent exposure to wastewater. These include using engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) normally required for work tasks when handling untreated wastewater.
- Water workers should
- wear appropriate PPE, which includes protective outerwear, gloves, boots, and goggles or face shield masks;
- wash their hands frequently; and
- avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Source: U.S. CDC, Water Transmission and COVID-19
Use the buttons below to access more in-depth information
Vaccine Resources Water-Sector Specific Information WEF Events Update Trusted Sources TRAINING & EDUCATION RESOURCES Water Sector Coronavirus Assistance FAQs
Note: The information posted here is a summary of current knowledge about this emerging viral pathogen. The state of knowledge will evolve as additional investigation and research is conducted, so continuous review of reputable sources and websites is advised.
•••
Vaccine Resources
With the approval of vaccines to prevent COVID-19 infections, planning has begun on prioritization of the vaccine distribution. Prioritization of vaccines for water and wastewater workers — deemed essential workers — is critical to ensure they continue their day to day, around the clock duties and ensure that the public’s needs for water and wastewater services are met.
WEF Requests The U.S. Conference of Mayors Prioritize Water Sector Vaccinations (February 2, 2021)
WEF Requests National Governors Association Prioritize Water Sector Vaccinations (January 29, 2021)
WEF sent a letter to the National Governors Association requesting that governors prioritize vaccine eligibility to water and wastewater workers in Phases 1B and 1C. Vaccinating frontline water and wastewater utility staff members and contracted personnel is particularly important because water and wastewater sector services underpin all aspects of society, including hospitals, medical centers, and long-term care facilities.
Revised 2021 Template for Utility Request for Vaccine Prioritization (January 29, 2021)
WEF Chief Medical Officer Discusses Importance of Coronavirus Vaccine (January 21, 2021)
Watch WEF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew Sanderson discuss the importance and safety of the coronavirus vaccine for water sector workers. In addition to this video message, this page shares several resources related to getting your vaccination and what to expect aferward.
Template for Utility Request for Vaccine Prioritization (December 15)
WEF created this simple letter template to assist utilities in contact thier local public health agencies to request COVID-19 vaccine prioritization for essential water and wastewater workers.
WSCC Advises Early Action on Vaccines for Utility Workers (December 14)
The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) is urging U.S. water and wastewater utilities to coordinate with state and local health departments to ensure they are included in distribution plans for the COVID-19 vaccine. Timely local government engagement on these discussions is essential. While the federal government has issued recommendations for vaccine prioritization, the final decisions related to planning and distribution will occur at the state and local levels.
Water Sector Organizations Request Vaccination Priortity for North Carolina Water Workers (December 4)
A collection of state and national water sector organizations sent this letter to North Carolina Governor Roy Asberry Cooper III requesting prioritization of essential water and wastewater sector utility employees in the state's vaccination plan.
Preliminary Guidance on Key Populations for Early COVID-19 Immunization (November 3)
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has created this advisory committee statement is to provide preliminary guidance for public health program level decision-making to plan for the efficient, effective, and equitable allocation of a novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine once it is authorized for use in Canada when limited initial vaccine supply will necessitate the prioritization of immunization in some populations earlier than others. The document lists esential workes, such as water and wastewater personnel in the third priority group for vaccination.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations (October 29)
This document serves as an interim playbook for state, territorial, tribal, and local public health programs and their partners on how to plan and operationalize a vaccination response to COVID-19 within their jurisdictions. The document’s sections cover specific areas of COVID-19 vaccination program planning and implementation and provide key guidance documents and links to resources to assist those efforts. Many, but not all, of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program activities described may overlap with routine activities; routine immunization and pandemic influenza program activities can serve as a foundation for COVID-19 vaccination planning.
Advisory Memorandum on Ensuring Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Ability to Work During the COVID-19 Response (August 18)
With this memo, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security again recognized water and wastewater utility staff and their suppliers and manufacturers as part of the "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce." The advisory list can be used to begin planning and preparing for the allocation of scarce resources used to protect essential workers against COVID-19.
Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic (updated May 20)
The government agency, Public Safety Canada, deemed water and wastewater operators, laboratory personnel, and construction workers as essential services and functions in this guidance document. It lists 10 priority infrastructure sectors, including water. The full description of included water and wastewater workers is included in Annex A: Essential Services and Functions by Critical Infrastructure Sector.
EPA Deems Water Workers Essential (March 27)
On March 27, U.S. EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler issued a letter to state governors requesting that water and wastewater workers, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who provide vital services and materials to the water sector, be considered essential workers and businesses by state authorities when enacting restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.
•••
Water-Sector Specific Information
To help put the outbreak of coronavirus into perspective, WEF and its partner organizations have begun creating resources and compiling links to external sources that speak to the specific concerns of water sector workers. This list of articles, podcasts, webcasts, fact sheets and more will be updated as new materials are available.
WEF Releases Key Safety Information for COVID-19 and Other Biohazards Fact Sheet for Wastewater Workers (February 9, 2021)
Based on the available data on the COVID-19 virus and knowledge about similar viruses, experts agree that the occupational risk of infection to wastewater workers from the COVID-19 virus is low, and not greater than those from other pathogens typically present in wastewater. This fact sheet lists several key points about COVID-19 specifically and simple actions to minimize risk from all pathogens.
Low-Income Water Utility Bill Assistance Included in COVID Relief Package; Congress Passes FY21 Appropriations Package (December 22)
On Dec. 20th, Congressional leaders announced an agreement on a roughly $900 billion coronavirus relief and economic aid measure that includes payments to individuals, loans for small businesses, and funds for transportation workers and others. The deal is combined with a wide-ranging $1.4-trillion appropriations package measure to keep government agencies, including their construction programs, operating through Sept. 30, 2021, the end of the current fiscal year.
Blue-Ribbon Panel: Coronavirus Risks Low for Wastewater Workers (August 13)
A panel of wastewater and public health experts has determined that occupational risk of COVID-19 infection for wastewater workers is low. The panel also found that standard wastewater treatment processes inactivate the virus and additional research should be conducted to further increase understanding of hazards and protections for personnel.
WEF convened this blue-ribbon panel of 16 wastewater-sector experts beginning in April. The panel worked to re-examine approaches to managing biological hazards and review the safety precautions necessary to protect workers and those around them during the coronavirus pandemic.
The ‘New Normal' — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the water sector to adapt and grow (WE&T, August 2020)
The water sector quickly adapted to maintain services, public safety, and environmental protection as the coronavirus pandemic began. Now that many institutions are re-opening, the sector is facing the question of how to return to the new normal, and what changes to keep after the pandemic ends.
Lower Revenues, Greater Resilience: How coronavirus is affecting water sector finances (WE&T, August 2020)
Few things are more essential in a pandemic than water.
Paired with soap and 20 seconds of vigorous hand scrubbing, it plays an essential role in stopping a virus’ spread. But as so many essential service providers have discovered since the novel coronavirus emerged, being "essential" does not necessarily equate to being financially sustainable.
The unprecedented drop in revenue and cash flow are expected to affect project funding and investment decisions long after the current healthcare crisis ends, many sector participants predict.
Webcast: CDC and EPA Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) Program: Building a Surveillance Program Based on Wastewater Sampling (July 15)
This webcast explores the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) program CDC and U.S. EPA are building. It explains what information related to the detection of RNA of coronavirus in wastewater via wastewater epidemiology does and does not tell us based on what we currently know. Wastewater epidemiology has been used for decades to track the presence of infectious diseases such as polio in communities. It has also been used to aid in the response to the opioid epidemic. Now it has gained a role in guiding state and local public health responses to COVID-19 outbreaks. CDC and EPA are standing up a national network to create a “sentinel program” to help with outbreaks in the future. Dr. Amy Kirby of CDC will walk through what this program is being designed to accomplish, its moving parts and how it is intended to be implemented.
Coronavirus Pandemic Renews Interest in Flushables Issue (May 15)
During the coronavirus pandemic, water utilities around the world are emphasizing the importance of flushing only the “Three Ps” — pee, poop, and toilet paper. In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amplified the water sector’s plea, urging Americans only to flush toilet paper and dispose of all other items in garbage receptacles.
Residuals and Biosolids Issues Concerning COVID-19 Virus (May 14)
To provide further clarification on the virus that causes COVID-19 infections and concerns about how it relates to residuals, sludge, and biosolids for water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) as well as the wastewater sector at large, this article includes a review of available data related to the virus and surrogates as well as their potential associations with residuals, sludge, and biosolids.
WEF, AWWA Encourage Credentialing Flexibility (May 14)
On Monday, May 11, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) sent a letter to state certification officers thanking them for their service and acknowledging the critical importance of what they and their staff have done in responding to the coronavirus crisis. Read the full letter.
Words On Water #144: Kari Brisolara on the Science on Biosolids and Coronavirus (May 13)
Kari Brisolara is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Louisiana State University. In this episode Kari discusses a review of current science that finds there is no evidence supporting the transmission of coronavirus through the wastewater system to biosolids. Because the coronavirus is more susceptible to treatment, including heat, no additional protective equipment or measures are required for managing properly treated biosolids.
Coronavirus and Water Systems (May 12)
An update and expansion on “The Water Professional’s Guide to COVID-19.”
In an effort to keep the water community informed of coronavirus developments, this update highlights the latest scientific findings, as well as topics not previously addressed. The goal is to contextualize these new results and state the implications and significance from a water and wastewater collection and treatment, public health and water resource recovery facility worker perspective.
California Water Environment Association Releases Second Wastewater and Coronavirus Webinar (May 6)
This webcast is organized by CWEA’s Education Team in partnership with the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The goal of this webinar is to help understand the virus so that both wastewater workers and public health can be protected. The main points established during this webinar, and throughout the literature, are that the scientific community has found no evidence of viable COVID-19 virus in wastewater systems. While there is still a lot we don’t know, it appears that contracting COVID-19 through exposure to wastewater is unlikely.
WEF Executive Roundtable Series (Updated May 13, 2020)
WEF is convening a series of roundtable discussions with leaders from across the water sector to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting operations, business, and people. The conversations are hosted by WEF Executive Director Walt Marlowe and explore current impacts, anticipated changes, and future plans in areas such as workforce, productivity, supply chain, projects, communication, and more.
Free Safety Resource on Biological Hazards
WEF has made access free to “Biological Hazards at Wastewater Treatment Facilities,” via Access Water. This book chapter is written by water professionals for water professionals to help protect them against workplace exposure to pathogens, including viruses. This chapter is part of the book, Safety, Health, and Security in Wastewater Systems, 6th Edition (Manual of Practice No. 1). (WEF also has discounted the price of the 482-page, hardcover book by 50%.)
Water Sector Coronavirus Assistance
During this unprecedented time responding to the coronavirus pandemic, it is our collective responsibility to help ensure worker safety and keep essential water and wastewater infrastructure operating. To aid water and wastewater utilities in protecting and maintaining public health during the coronavirus response, several water sector partners have extended offers to help.
Webcast: Wastewater Epidemiology Webcast (Public Service Announcement) (April 24)
This webcast introduces wastewater epidemiology and explains what information related to the detection of RNA of COVID-19 virus in wastewater via wastewater epidemiology does and does not tell us. Wastewater epidemiology has been used for decades to track the presence of infectious diseases such as polio in communities. It has also been used to aid in the response to the opioid epidemic. Now it has gained a role in guiding state and local public health responses to COVID-19 outbreaks. The webcast is moderated by Dr. Kyle Bibby (University of Notre Dame) with several speakers including Dr. Mariana Matus (Biobot), Dr. Amy Kirby (CDC), and Dr. Jennifer Murphy (CDC).
Critical Infrastructure Operation Centers and Control Rooms Guide for Pandemic Response (April 23)
The Critical Infrastructure Operations Centers and Control Rooms Guide for Pandemic Response from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is geared towards all 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The guide provides considerations and mitigation measures for operation centers and control rooms, but can be applied further to any critical node that is required to continue functioning in a pandemic environment.
WEF Convening a Blue-Ribbon Panel to Evaluate Biological Hazards and Precautions for Wastewater Workers (April 23)
To ensure the protection of wastewater workers during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, the Water Environment Federation is convening a blue-ribbon panel of experts to evaluate information on biological hazards and safety precautions. The panel is comprised of a diverse array of experts involved in water operations, science, health and safety and will provide appropriate input to U.S. government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Addressing PPE Needs in Non-Healthcare Setting (April 22)
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency released this guidance summarizing how organizations should consider and manage their personal protective equipment (PPE) needs while ensuring the protection of workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response.
Pulse Check - Coronavirus and Supply Chain Disruption (April 16)
With the water sector deeply involved in the response to the coronavirus pandemic, WEF administered a second in a series of quick, informal polls concerning the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector. The focus of this poll was to gain some general insights into the effects on the supply chain.
Webcast: Key Considerations in Responding to Coronavirus (April 13)
During the coronavirus pandemic, water and wastewater utilities are essential for delivery of clean water during the response. As such, utilities are considered critical infrastructure providing lifeline services, even when pandemics can directly impact utility operations. Ensuring delivery of essential services while protecting human health and the environment requires strong leadership. This webcast provides insights into key considerations for decision-makers and operational staff on the frontlines.
Webcast: Shelter-in-Place in Response to Coronavirus: Approaches from Two Facilities (April 9)
Join us for a discussion with two water facilities currently operating under shelter-in-place protocols due to the current coronavirus pandemic. Teams from Des Moines Water Works and Carlsbad Desalination Plant will discuss their current state of operations and the development of their response plans, as well as taking questions from attendees.
U.S. EPA Provides Template for Essential Worker Documentation (April 3)
On March 27, U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler sent a letter to governors in all 50 states, territories, and Washington, D.C., requesting that water and wastewater workers, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who provide vital services and materials to the water sector, be considered essential workers and businesses by state authorities when enacting restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus. To help aid in the implmentation of that process, EPA now has provided a template that state, localities, and water utilities can use to provide documentation to workers that are considered essential. Water Utility Template: COVID-19 Pandemc (.DOCX)
Overview of the Coronavirus, Transmission and Operations Planning Webinar (April 1)
The webinar from the California Water Environment Assocaition provides the latest information about the coronavirus; potential transmission of the disease COVID19 via wastewater systems; disinfection standards to inactivate the virus; and planning for operations during a pandemic. This webinar is the first in a series on the disease COVID-19 and the virus itself in support of CWEA’s mission to provide education and support for California’s wastewater professionals.
Accommodating Essential Water Services (March 31)
In recent days, state and federal regulatory groups have made several temporary policy changes that recognize the water sector’s critical role in protecting public health during the coronavirus pandemic. These changes relax certain restrictions, such as temporarily honoring expired operator certification credentials or forgiving missed consent decree deadlines, that could otherwise impede a water resource recovery facility’s (WRRF’s) ability to respond locally to coronavirus in the most effective way possible.
Pulse Check – WEF Poll Finds Utilities Confident in Operations, Changing Work Arrangements (March 31)
With the water sector protecting public health throughout the coronavirus pandemic, WEF administered a quick, informal poll to gain some insights into how this situation is effecting the water workforce. The results were collected between March 23 and 28.
Experts Share Advice on Continuity of Operations During Coronavirus Pandemic (March 27)
For utility managers, effectively responding to coronavirus requires additional attention to employee safety and welfare, workplace hygiene, and public communications. Water sector experts discussed these vital considerations for WRRFs during the Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) webcast, “Pandemic Continuity of Operations (COOP) Essential Personnel.” This WEF Highlights article breaks down the main points shared during the webcast.
WEF Webcast Discusses Regulatory Concerns During Coronavirus Crisis (March 27)
During the coronavirus pandemic, directives focused on avoiding social contact create unprecedented questions for the relationship between water and wastewater utilities and environmental regulators. This article reveals the key takeaway messages from the hourlong WEF webcast, “Clean Water Act Regulatory Issues in a Pandemic.” The hourlong discussion and article offers regulatory and legal perspectives on emerging compliance and enforcement issues during a unique global health emergency.
EPA Deems Water Workers Essential (March 27)
On March 27, U.S. EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler issued a letter to state governors requesting that water and wastewater workers, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who provide vital services and materials to the water sector, be considered essential workers and businesses by state authorities when enacting restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Words On Water #134: Des Moines Water Works Shelters-In-Place to Respond to Coronavirus (March 27)
Ted Corrigan is interim CEO and General Manager and Kyle Danley is Director of Water Production at Des Moines Water Works. In this podcast, Ted and Kyle explain how the utility responded to coronavirus by activating a long-standing response plan and having essential staff shelter-in-place at its three treatment facilities. They discuss how 20 employees will stay onsite for two week rotations, working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week to provide clean water and sanitation for 500,000 people in central Iowa. Ted and Kyle say the staff understand they are serving in a public health role and helping their community, and that support is strong from external staff, the utility’s board, and the union.
Blog: What We Know About Coronavirus and Water Treatment (March 26)
This blog by Rasha Maal-Bared, Senior Microbiologist at EPCOR and Chair of WEF’s Waterborne Infectious Disease Outbreak Control Subcommittee (WIDOC) puts in plain terms what we know about dealing with coronavirus in the water sector. The key points: there is no evidence that coronavirus survives the disinfection processes for drinking water and wastewater treatment and no coronavirus-specific protections are recommended for employees involved in wastewater management. Read on for more.
Water Sector Request: ‘Flush Wisely’ (March 23)
As the world adapts to dealing with coronavirus — social distancing, working from home, and self-quarantining if ill — the perceived hoarding and scarcity of toilet paper has emerged almost as a joke. But, if people start flushing unsuitable materials, the results will be anything but funny.
Webcast: Clean Water Act Regulatory Issues in a Pandemic (March 20)
During the coronavirus pandemic, water and wastewater utilities are currently triggering their response plans for continuity of operations. These events also trigger regulatory issues under the Clean Water Act as utilities work to maintain compliance during this pandemic. Utilities need to consider special conditions in their Consent Decrees and/or permits, consider regulatory obligations and maintain close contact with their regulators. This webcast will provide information on key considerations from a regulator and a regulated community perspective.
Webcast: Pandemic Continuity of Operations (COOP) Essential Personnel (March 19)
During the coronavirus pandemic, water and wastewater utilities are currently triggering their response plans for continuity of operations. A significant component during a pandemic is a consideration of critical functions that include essential personnel whose role does not allow for telework. Critical services must continue and COOP activities in the face of potentially severe staff shortages and absenteeism are of concern. This webcast will focus on the role of essential personnel.
A Message to the WEF Community About Coronavirus (March 16)
The Water Environment Federation is always focused on the health and safety of our members, whether at our events, in the water workplace, or here in the WEF office.
U.S. CDC Water Transmission and COVID-19 (March 11)
Drinking Water, Recreational Water, and Wastewater: What You Need to Know
World Health Organization Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Waste Management for COVID-19 (March 3)
This Technical Brief supplements existing IPC documents by referring to and summarizing WHO guidance on water, sanitation and health care waste which is relevant for viruses (including coronaviruses). This Technical Brief is written in particular for water and sanitation practitioners and providers.
Words On Water #128: Coronavirus and Water Treatment (March 2)
Dr. Rasha Maal-Bared is Senior Microbiologist at EPCOR and Scott Schaefer is Wastewater Practice Leader at AE2S and Chair of WEF’s Disinfection & Public Health Committee. In this episode Rasha and Scott discuss the coronavirus, its origin, and the agencies involved in response. They explain why the water sector should pay attention to coronavirus, how treatment addresses the virus, and that water workers should follow standard safety protocol. Rasha and Scott say the water sector should stay informed of developments but remain calm.
AWWA Resources Page: Coronavirus and Water (Feb. 28)
The American Water Works Association also has compiled a set of resources on coronavirus to help water utilities be prepared.
Webcast: Updates on Novel Coronavirus For Water Professionals (Feb 25)
This webcast, organized by WEF's Disinfection and Public Health Committee (DPHC), provided the most up-to-date information available on novel coronavirus from some of the most reputable names in infectious disease control and emergency response. It highlighted virus ecology, transmission, control, epidemiology, government agency response, and specific impacts for the water community. Speakers also provided the audience with additional resources and published recommendations about this ongoing outbreak.
The Water Professional's Guide to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Feb. 11)
The WEF Disinfection and Public Health Committee (DPHC) Waterborne Infectious Disease Outbreak Control (WIDOC) Working Group has created a series of three articles that explain the current situation with a focus on how it may affect wastewater treatment and the safety of water sector workers. These articles also contain many links to developing research on this epidemic.
- The Water Professional’s Guide to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- How Coronavirus Compares to SARS and MERS
- Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus Infection
•••
WEF Events Update
The safety and welfare of our WEF attendees, exhibitors, partners, and staff is a priority.
As it relates to Covid-19, and any and all other epidemics, pandemics, or other health situations, WEF will continue to monitor the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the requirements of state and local government and health authorities.
WEFTEC 2022 Health & Well-Being
•••
Trusted Sources
This situation is developing and changing quickly. The links below point to reputable and reliable sources of information that are updated frequently with technical guidance, public health information, and the latest research.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Guidance: Country & Technical Guidance - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Solid Waste and Wastewater Management Workers and Employers
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19
- National Cyber Security Alliance: COVID-19 Security Resource Library
Training & Education Resources
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and to prioritize health and safety, WEF cancelled several conferences this spring. But to continue our mission of connecting water professionals with the information and resources they need, we have developed robust digital programs and online offerings. These virtual conferences, printed resources, and a limited-time opportunity to access nearly all WEF member benefits will provide the latest knowledge from across the water sector and enable you to earn PDHs.
Free Safety Resource on Biological Hazards
WEF has made access free to “Biological Hazards at Wastewater Treatment Facilities,” via Access Water. This book chapter is written by water professionals for water professionals to help protect them against workplace exposure to pathogens, including viruses. This chapter is part of the book, Safety, Health, and Security in Wastewater Systems, 6th Edition (Manual of Practice No. 1). (WEF also has discounted the price of the 482-page, hardcover book by 50%.)
New Digital Programming
WEF is pleased to offer access to a suite of new, digital programming opportunities, allowing you to connect with and learn from sector experts, while earning valuable PDHs – all from your computer or mobile device. Choose from a variety of options on the topics of most interest to you. Current offerings include
- LIVE Stormwater Virtual Workshop - April 15
- Stormwater Digital Conference - Online Course - Access Starts April 16
- Odors and Air Pollutants Digital Conference - Online Course - Access Starts April 20
New WATER'S WORTH IT® Toolkit Highlights Role of Water Sector in Coronavirus Response
WEF has released a new WATER’S WORTH IT® toolkit to raise public awareness about the vital role of water utilities and workers in the coronavirus response. The high-impact materials highlight the critical need for water and wastewater services during this unprecedented time and recognize the dedicated professionals who are working on the front lines to provide clean water and sanitation for their communities. The toolkit is available on the WATER’S WORTH IT® website and features a series of graphics that are designed for social media, web, and email use.
