On March 27, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler sent a letter to all U.S. Governors requesting that water and wastewater workers, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who provide vital services and materials to the water sector, are considered essential workers and businesses by state authorities when enacting restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.
In the letter, Wheeler wrote, "Ensuring that drinking water and wastewater services are fully operational is critical to containing COVID-19 and protecting Americans from other public health risks."
He also noted, "Our critical infrastructure and the operators who ensure the safe supply of water to our homes and hospitals depend on treatment chemicals, laboratory supplies and related goods and materials."
