As summer is upon us, many of us want to cool off by the pool but are concerned about the on-going coronavirus. As a reminder, the CDC states that there is no evidence COVID-19 can spread to people through water used in pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds because proper disinfection of the water should kill the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends limiting close contact with people in public spaces, both in and out of the water, and regularly washing/sanitizing hands. The CDC also recommends not sharing swimming goggles and other pool items without proper cleaning.
Also, with warmer weather, it is all the more important to remain hydrated. Public drinking fountains and water bottle filling stations are a great way to help with hydration. However, certain precautions must be taken. The CDC states that the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. The CDC also states that proper cleaning and disinfection of the drinking fountain/filling station hard surfaces should regularly occur to kill the virus left there from someone who is infected. To be safe, it is encouraged for people to bring their own water (in reusable containers) to minimize touching of hard surfaces, if it is unknown when they were last disinfected.
Avon Lake Regional Water is additionally working on modifications to public drinking fountains to discourage hand and mouth contact with the fountain heads.