Coliban Water is reassuring customers that water quality or supply will not be disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Managing Director Damian Wells said there is no evidence that the coronavirus is spread by drinking water.
“There is no evidence that the virus is transmitted in the water supply.
“The current evidence is that the coronavirus is transmitted from person-to-person, contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze or touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) and then touching your mouth or face.
“Existing water treatment and disinfection processes, including use of chlorine, are effective in removing viruses from water supplies, he said.
Mr Wells said Coliban Water have enacted their Pandemic and Emergency Response plans and have an Incident Team working to ensure maintenance of supply, service and quality.
“Our team is focused on the continued delivery of water and wastewater services to our communities’.
“In line with actions being taken across the water sector our Customer Contact Centre and reception area in 37 Bridge Street Bendigo will be closed from Monday 23 March until further notice.
“Our team are still able to support and assist customers by our 1300 363 200 phone line, email or our website.
“There will be changes to how our business operates internally, with many staff working from home and rostering in place to support key network operations, but we are well equipped to continue running business as usual.
“We are committed to supporting our customers through times of hardship and have policies in place that can assist such as concessions, flexible payment plans, financial counselling and payment extensions. We encourage our customers to contact us so we can work through a plan to assist.
“We have a huge range of information available on our website, as well as some fun and engaging activities for the kids, Mr Wells said.
Mr Wells said the organisation continues to work with the information provided by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) – the peak industry body representing the urban water sector – as well as the best available information from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, the Australian Government Department of Health, the World Health Organisation and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
“We are prepared for this outbreak, including having arrangements in place for potential supply-chain impacts such as the supply of chemicals, parts and equipment.
“We will also endeavor to support the supply-chain by continuing capital projects and works currently underway as best we can,” Mr Wells said.
There is also no evidence that the coronavirus can be transmitted via wastewater systems, with or without wastewater treatment. Current disinfection methods are expected to be sufficient to manage the coronavirus.
“We want to reassure our customers that we are prepared to face the challenges of the coronavirus and will continue to supply safe drinking water, sewer services and customer services throughout this time,” Mr Wells said.
The 2019/20 rural season will continue as planned, with the season to close in mid-May as normal.
For more information on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the water industry see our website www.coliban.com.au/covid-19.
Faults, leaks and service difficulties can be reported anytime on 1300 COLIBAN (1300 363 200).