CDC, EPA: Tap Water Safe from Coronavirus (COVID-19)
BROWNSVILLE, TX – The Brownsville Public Utilities Board wants to assure its customers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that its tap water is safe for drinking and washing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported COVID-19 has not been found in drinking water supplies. If it were, drinking water regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require treatment to remove or kill pathogens, which include viruses such as COVID-19.
BPUB is rated a superior water provider by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and BPUB tap water is safe to use for drinking water during this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The safety of the community is always a top concern. During this time of worry over COVID-19, I want our customers to know that their tap water isn’t something that they need to be worried about. We take pride in the superior rating that we’ve held for many years,” said BPUB General Manager & CEO John. S. Bruciak.
In addition, BPUB’s wastewater treatment plants treat viruses and other pathogens so that the resulting discharged water meets all EPA guidelines. This treated wastewater must be tested and monitored.
BPUB is encouraging the community to practice social distancing by making account inquiries or paying bills online or by phone to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
BPUB will continue to monitor this public health event and will make any operational changes as appropriate to ensure continuity of service for all BPUB customers during this time. For more information, customers can call 956-983-6121 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the website at www.brownsville-pub.com, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/brownsvillepub or Twitter at https://twitter.com/BPUB_Tweets.