Utilities Concerned About Shortage Of PPE, Workers Due To Coronavirus
The international spread of coronavirus, and the resulting cases of COVID-19, has disrupted life and threatened to complicate or put a stop to essential services around the world. Recently-conducted surveys of drinking water and wastewater utilities has revealed the level of anxiety the outbreak has brought to one of the nation’s most critical sectors.
The impact surveys, conducted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), solicited responses from hundreds of utilities regarding their challenges, fears, and ongoing responses to the coronavirus pandemic. They have highlighted some acute challenges faced by the industry.
“Nearly three in four water and wastewater treatment plants are worried about running out of masks, gowns, and gloves to protect workers from the deadly coronavirus,” Bloomberg Law reported. “About 39% of the survey respondents said they face an immediate challenge with supplying personal protective equipment, or PPEs, and another 34% said they would face these challenges in the next month or more. PPEs for water and wastewater treatment workers include masks, gloves, and gowns.”
According to the report, the survey also indicated that 57 percent of respondents were worried about maintaining social distancing while on the job. While only 2 percent signaled concern about the supply of chemicals needed for treatment, 28 percent are concerned about that chemical supply going forward.
As in the majority of sectors during a pandemic that necessitates the isolation of those infected, a major concern for water and wastewater utilities appears to be the potential for absent workers.
“[An AWWA poll] found that absenteeism was the top coronavirus concern for water utilities in the U.S., with 75% of water industry leaders saying they are anticipating challenges due to illness,” according to The Mercury News. “The workers may be at risk.”
The reports on the survey noted that, in response to these concerns, utilities are stockpiling chemicals, asking employees to isolate themselves, and, at least in California, keeping some labor in reserve.
“To reduce the risk they will be [missing workers], plant operators at major Bay Area water districts are being kept ‘in reserve,’ The Mercury News reported. “Some are being deliberately kept home to preserve them in case their co-workers on duty contract COVID-19.”
As coronavirus continues to spread and utilities evolve in their responses to it, new concerns and solutions are certain to emerge. For now, at least, drinking water and wastewater operations appear to be working diligently to overcome the threats posed by this unique time.
To read more about the individuals who keep drinking water and wastewater utilities operational, visit Water Online’s Labor Solutions Center.