Portsmouth Water has issued a statement explaining how it is working to support the Government’s efforts to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

The company is continuously monitoring the Government’s updates and guidance regarding COVID-19 and are also taking precautionary steps to protect the health of its workforce.

The utility is continuously reviewing its Business Continuity Plans that include the possibility of dealing with a pandemic. This includes working closely with critical suppliers to ensure they are taking appropriate action and can continue to provide goods and services.

Portsmouth Water has also highlighted the fact that as Coronavirus is a respiratory illness it is not spread through tap water, commenting:

“In any case the virus would be eliminated very effectively by drinking water treatment, specifically the disinfection process (chlorination and ultraviolet treatment).”

Commenting on analysis which shows an increase in water demand since the Government’s hand wash guidance was published, the water company said handwashing represents a very small proportion of domestic water use and is not likely to cause any difficulties.

Portsmouth Water is also taking steps to ensure that field staff are not exposed to the risk of COVID-19 by rescheduling appointments where members of households have COVID-19 or cold or flu-like symptoms. Appointments will either be rebooked or the water company will find another way to remedy the problem, depending on what it is.