With the high level of concern throughout the world with regards to COVID-19 and potential sources of infection, it is completely understandable that some individuals might be concerned about the safety of drinking water.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) that use conventional water treatment methods including filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, will successfully remove or inactivate viruses, if present, including COVID-19.

Groton Utilities Water Treatment Plant has complete conventional treatment, including filtration, as noted above.  Chlorine is added after filtration to provide disinfection, and there is a prolonged detention time before the water leaves the WTP, to make sure the chlorine thoroughly disinfects the water.

The EPA sets a standard for effective virus removal and inactivation, known as 3-log removal, which takes into account the level of treatment and the detention time of treated disinfected drinking water before it goes out to customers.  The level of treatment at the Groton Utilities WTP is well above 3-log removal at all times, so that we and our customers can be assured of the safety of our drinking water.

Drinking water quality at the Groton Utilities Water Treatment Plant is monitored continuously and tested on a daily basis, and is also routinely monitored in the water distribution system to assure that water quality is maintained and meets drinking water standards.  Our water treatment plant operators are diligently focused, as always, on monitoring and maintaining treatment processes to assure that we continue to provide safe drinking water to our customers and consecutive systems at all times.