With the WHO announcing that the coronavirus is a pandemic, there are no reasons to be naive and ignore the necessary precautions. Washing hands regularly using wash bays, avoiding public gatherings, and staying at home when having flu-like symptoms. You have heard all these precautions over and over again. The world is relying heavily on clean water to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Clean water is required for washing hands, and being hydrated is important for strengthening the immune system. The importance of a consistent supply of clean and safe water during this period cannot be overemphasized.

Is coronavirus spread through water?

According to Japanese researchers, drinking water at an interval of 15 minutes will help you from spreading the virus. But what if the virus can travel through water? The novel coronavirus has the same characteristics as SARS. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, it was documented that there were transmissions associated with the sewer system. Currently, the CDC has not reported cases of transmission through drinking water or sewage.

How to get safe water?

The novel coronavirus is an enveloped virus that is susceptible to oxidants, for instance, chlorine. Data suggests that water purification methods such as reverse osmosis can inactivate or filter the coronavirus if it is present in water. Professionals at RO-System.org say that coronaviruses are not more resistant to water treatment compared to the other microorganisms such as poliovirus, E. coli, or phage. This means that it can be eliminated through water treatment processes such as reverse osmosis.
Conventional and centralized water treatment techniques that use disinfection and filtration should inactivate the virus if it’s present in water. Water utilities have set up several disinfection barriers for eliminating viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. In areas where centralized water treatment methods are not available, traditional water treatment techniques such as boiling, solar irradiation, and appropriately dosed chlorine can be used.

Coronavirus in wastewater

According to the WHO, there is no evidence that coronavirus is transmitted through the sewer systems or untreated wastewater. Most environmental protection agencies across the globe require wastewater treatment firms to treat viruses and other pathogens, particularly those bound to cause diseases. Coronavirus is susceptible to disinfection and can be eliminated through the treatment of wastewater. However, workers in wastewater treatment firms should protect themselves and avoid exposure to sewage.
The Water Environment Federation imposed that there are possibilities of COVID-19 transmissions through the fecal-oral route. The coronavirus RNA was found in the patient’s stool after scientists noticed that some patients experienced diarrhea instead of fever in the initial stages of infection. However, the CDC said that the risk of transmission through feces of an infected person is unknown.

What if water treatment plants are closed?

If there is one thing that people have learned during this pandemic is that nothing is impossible. In the past, the thought of essential companies closing down would never cross people’s minds. Things are different now, and people are embracing the new normal. This means being prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. You can wake up one morning only to find that water treatment company operators have been quarantined.
Water utilities have a backup plan that requires less staff to operate, and some water companies can be operated remotely. According to the American Water Works Association, absenteeism could affect the quality of drinking water and the capability to maintain systems. This is a potential health hazard. If there is anything that the coronavirus has taught people is always have a backup plan. Therefore, to be safe, install a water treatment or filtration system in your home.

Reverse osmosis systems

According to scientists, the coronavirus has an oval shape with a diameter of 120 nm. On the other hand, the reverse osmosis system has a pore of about 0.1 nm, which is almost 1000 times smaller than the size of the virus. Therefore, there is no doubt that an RO system can effectively remove the coronavirus from water. The RO membrane is the main element of the reverse osmosis system. The system works by applying pressure to water, allowing only water molecules through the membrane. The membrane intercepts heavy metals, organic matter, inorganic salts, viruses, bacteria, and other unwanted substances present in water. Therefore, with a reverse osmosis system, you can be assured of a continuous clean water supply.
One of the primary pieces of advice to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to wash hands regularly. For this reason, the provision of clean water is vital in all homes. Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, do your part to prevent exposure and spread of the coronavirus.