AMMAN — There is “no evidence” that COVID-19 can cause infections through drinking water, and “no evidence” that the virus exists in underground or surface water, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation said on Sunday.
The ministry observes the quality of water and its resources, implementing strict programmes to execute the water sector strategy in this regard, especially focusing on underground water, which constitutes one of the most important drinking water sources in many areas in the Kingdom.
The Central Laboratories Directorate, which the ministry considers an advanced scientific centre that implements international standards, and has the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certificate, has not discovered any evidence thus far on the possibility of coronavirus infection through water.
Coordination is ongoing with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to keep up with any updates in regard to water and coronavirus, the ministry said in a statement, noting that all studies till date ensure the safety of using underground water for drinking and house use.
Assistant Secretary General for Laboratory and Quality Affairs at the ministry Ali Olaimat said that the studies issued by WHO and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Groundwater Association and other specialised entities around the world, have all revealed that COVID-19 was not discovered in drinking water, whether it comes from underground or surface sources, or in water pipelines.
The processing systems adopted in Jordan for underground and water sources work to remove or disable any viruses, including the novel coronavirus, although the risks are already low as underground water sources contain a safe level of unbound chlorine, which ensures the elimination of any bacteria or virus, Olaimat added.
Microbial contaminants, including viruses, can reach underground or surface water through various contamination sources, including unprocessed sewage water, an overflow in the sewage tunnels within cesspools or from cattle manure, the statement said, adding that the implementation of monitoring programmes and measures to protect water sources prevent any negative impacts that may arise due to such contaminants.
There are various processes that limit the spread of disease underground, the effectiveness of which depends on the type of soil and the cracks in the layers of rocks that contain underground water, the statement said, noting that adsorption and filtration help prevent viruses from reaching underground water sources.
The elimination of viruses and their effectiveness can occur naturally within the soil, the ministry said, noting that at a depth of 4.3 metres, there is a 99.7 per cent chance to eliminate viruses naturally.
COVID-19 spreads only through droplets from sneezing or from touching a contaminated surface, and cannot be found in drinking water, the ministry said.
However, the virus could be found in untreated waste water, with a low risk of COVID-19 transmission, the ministry said, adding that it still takes preventive measures.
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