Coronavirus has not been detected in drinking water supplies, and Americans can continue to use and drink water from the tap as usual, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tap water is also safe to use for hand washing, a primary defense against the spread of the virus. Read more about what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is doing to protect our water resources during the coronavirus crisis.

While water supplies remain safe, the virus is presenting challenges to the plumbing manufacturing industry, as companies work to protect the health of workers, manage global and regional supply chains, and comply with advisories while maintaining viable business operations and services.

Medical experts advise mask wearing, physical distancing and frequent hand washing, as well as vaccination and vaccine boosters

Vaccination, vaccination boosters, mask wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand washing are the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infections. These precautions are being followed by workers within the plumbing manufacturing industry.

Protecting the health of workers

For employers, protecting the health of workers may mean encouraging vaccination, requiring mask wearing and physical distancing, monitoring workers for COVID-19 symptoms, referring them for testing when appropriate, and facilitating work from home to protect employees from potential exposure.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance on several topics, such as incorporating COVID-19 testing in the workplace.

Most Americans mindful about hand washing

PMI member Bradley Corporation has been conducting annual surveys about the hand washing habits of Americans. With hand hygiene an important defense against the spread of COVID-19, Bradley’s most recent survey results are particularly timely. The results show that Americans are still fairly meticulous about handwashing since the COVID-19 outbreak, but have let their handwashing habits slide a bit. 56% of those surveyed washed their hands six or more times a day in 2022 – compared with 78% who were doing so in 2020 – while 63% are washing their hands for 20 seconds or more, which is the duration recommended by the CDC.

Read more.

Plumbers must take precautions

Plumbing manufacturers make toilets, faucets, showerheads and urinals; the makers of these products don’t do the installing – that’s a plumber’s job. PMI member IAPMO recently issued valuable advice to these important partners in safe, responsible plumbing.

“Understanding Coronavirus Exposure for Plumbing Professionals” advises plumbers that the coronavirus can be spread through building sanitary draining systems. "Considering the potential to come into contact with water and aerosols that contain the coronavirus when working on sanitary systems or sewers, it is highly recommended that plumbers wear proper personal protective equipment, including a full face shield that is worn over safety glasses, and gloves," writes IAPMO's Peter DeMarco, executive vice president of advocacy and research. IAPMO’s advisory references OSHA standards for construction and plumbing worker protection. Read more.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified plumbers and others working to assure safe plumbing and sanitation as “essential critical infrastructure workers” in its updated Coronavirus Guidance for America. The National Association of Manufacturers is continually updating a summary of state and county declarations and resources to stop the spread of COVID-19, help manufacturers understand the implications of these orders, and emphasize the essential role manufacturers play in leading the response against coronavirus.

Toilet paper demand creates interest in bidet seats; don’t flush wipes

While purchasing large quantities of toilet paper is not advised, the hoarding of toilet paper by some during the coronavirus crisis has created interest in purchasing personal hygiene devices commonly known as bidet seats, products manufactured by some PMI members. Popular in Europe, these devices rinse your bottom with water. To find manufacturers who make these personal hygiene devices, choose “bidet seats” under the “plumbing fixtures/components” category of the safeplumbing.org product finder. For those of you using disinfectant wipes, do not flush them down the toilet, even though they may be labeled as “flushable.” These wipes can jam up your pipes. Place these wipes in the trash instead.

More helpful resources

PMI has gathered these additional information sources, which may be helpful during the coronavirus pandemic. Keep up to date by visiting these pages routinely and paying attention to new alerts.

CDC COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Projections – Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington

Department of Homeland Security – Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce Guidance 2.0

Department of Labor – Essential Protections During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – How to Help

IMA Business Coronavirus Alert Center

ITR Economics Video, “Clarity in the Aftermath of Dual Black Swans.”

Morningstar Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Herd Immunity to End Pandemic

OSHA – Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Public Safety Canada - Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada