| Social distancing, protective equipment top water system challenges during pandemic
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Social distancing, protective equipment top water system challenges during pandemic

Managing staff social distancing and maintaining supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are the two most pressing challenges reported by water utilities, according to the latest survey conducted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Ninety-seven percent of the 532 utilities that responded to the survey said they have measures in place or are developing plans to keep essential field workers on the job. In Water's top COVID-19 challengesaddition, 95 percent said they are evaluating staff shift change policies to incorporate social distancing in the workplace.

However, nearly 40 percent of survey participants reported disruptions in their supply chain for PPE and nearly three quarters are expecting future disruptions.

The AWWA survey was conducted March 25 through 30 and is the second in a series of surveys to assess in real time how AWWA member organizations are managing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The latest survey generated 615 responses – 532 from utilities and 81 from consultants, manufacturers, service providers and other non-utility organizations.

Responding to economic impacts
To lessen the economic burden of the pandemic on their customers, more than 90 percent of responding utilities indicated they have suspended water shut-offs. About 67 percent are waiving late fees. Some utilities also said they are providing payment plan options, waiving charges like service fees, and considering rate reductions or forgiving payments for one billing cycle.

Regarding utility revenue challenges, 64 percent of utility respondents said they expect financial implications in the coming months. About 10 percent already are seeing revenue reductions.

AWWA and other water sector partners have been advocating on behalf of the water sector that the U.S. Congress include funding for water systems in future federal stimulus bills.

For more information, go to AWWA’s coronavirus resource page.

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