American Water Confirms Water Quality Is Not Impacted By Swine Flu

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture;  Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health
Article Date: 28 Apr 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK), the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, communicated to its customers today that influenza viruses, including swine flu, are effectively removed by filtration and disinfection.

"In the United States, federal and state drinking water regulations require filtration and disinfection of all surface water supplies (e.g., those from lakes, reservoirs, or rivers). These regulations specify specific treatment requirements for removal and inactivation of viruses," said Dr. Mark W. LeChevallier, director of Innovation & Environmental Stewardship for American Water. "Because influenza viruses, including swine influenza A (H1N1), are more susceptible to disinfection than most enteric viruses (like Poliovirus, Hepatitis A, or Norovirus), and the influenza viruses are slightly larger and more effectively removed by filtration, current drinking water treatment barriers provide a high degree of protection from "swine flu." We want to reassure our customers that they do not need to be concerned about the safety of properly treated drinking water with respect to swine influenza A."

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting http://www.amwater.com.

Source
American Water

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog