FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Jennifer Poland
Communications & Legislative Officer
(760) 228-6267
jenniferp@hdwd.com
                                   
HI-DESERT WATER DISTRICT CONTINUES WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK 
Yucca Valley, CA (March 10, 2020)In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Hi-Desert Water District has taken precautionary steps to ensure water continues to be delivered to all customers while safeguarding the health and safety of its employees and customers.
 
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person. Similar to the flu, there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through drinking water; however, current disinfection methods used by the District to disinfect water, such as the use of chlorine, are known to be effective against the COVID-19.
 
"As we closely monitor the Coronavirus outbreak, the District is committed to protecting the health and safety of our customers and employees," explained Ed Muzik, General Manager of the Hi-Desert Water District. "We are implementing the necessary precautionary measures, so our customers can rest assured that the District is prepared to continue operating and delivering safe water and sewer services for the duration of this event."
 
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, District employees are exercising preventative measures provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The District has also activated a response plan which includes having employees stay at home when sick, alerting management if they have traveled to an infected area, and keeping the office disinfected by the use of cleaners and hand sanitizers.
 
The District is asking customers, vendors or other visitors who are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, to avoid visiting the District's offices and conduct business through use of phone, email or online.
 
For more information about the COVID-19 prevention and treatment, please visit the CDC's website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html


Hi-Desert Water District
was formed in 1962. It provides water service to more than 10,000 customers in the Yucca Valley and Yucca Mesa areas.  The mission of the district is to provide a safe, reliable water supply and Wastewater Reclamation System for its customers in an efficient and financially responsible manner. For more information about Hi-Desert Water District, visit www.hdwd.com.