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Health

We Asked An Expert: Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water During COVID?

June 8, 2020 by Hannah Kerns
shefinds | Health
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With the spread of coronavirus, many people have purchased water filters or stocked up on bottled water out of fear that tap water could carry the virus and drinking it could result in them getting sick. If you share these fears, keep reading for what experts have to say about water and COVID-19.

 

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that coronavirus has not been found in drinking water.

 

According to their website, "The virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19."

water bottle

With that in mind, if you are accustomed to drinking filtered or bottled water, you don't need to stop; an extra layer of filtration won't do any harm. However, if you typically drink tap water, there is no reason to change that now.

glass of water

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also commented on the fears surrounding drinking tap water right now: "There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public."

 

The statement continues, "The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual."

woman drinking water

Plus, according to Forbes, "Even if the COVID-19 coronavirus were to somehow make the epic journey of getting into your drinking water, it may not be at high enough concentrations to be of risk to you."

 

The article continues, "Every virus has a minimum infectious dose, the amount of virus that needs to be present to cause illness. Although it’s not completely clear yet what the minimum infectious dose for SARS-CoV-2 may be, dilution makes it less likely that what reaches you can surpass this threshold."

Author:

Associate Editor

Hannah Kerns pitches and writes compelling stories for SheFinds' readers. When she isn't listening to podcasts or catching up on true crime, she covers the latest in beauty, health, fashion, and celebrity news. To reach Hannah, email hannah@shefinds.com.

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Kim Kardashian's controversial Capri leggings and oversized shirt outfit.
Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea.
Frustrated older woman touching her head in exasperation.
Woman experiencing chest pain, highlighting health concerns.
Various types of bread on display.
Woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain discomfort.
Dunkin' Donuts, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks comparison.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee.
Bagels, blueberries, and butter on wooden board.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for supplementation.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil usage.
Older woman taking supplements with water for wellness.
Top view of Brazilian dish with rice and beans.
Handful of dietary supplements for optimal nutrition.
Checking time on watch while having breakfast.
Close-up of supplement powder being poured into a glass.
Woman exercising outdoors for fitness.