logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
Covid 19 virus not in water supply
News
January 31, 2022
Covid 19 virus not in water supply

Erroneous claims that the coronavirus is being found in tap water have recently resurfaced in social media posts.

A Facebook post shared Dec. 27 shows a screenshot of an Instagram post with a picture of three COVID-19 antigen tests that each have two lines indicating a positive result.

“I’m literally using water y’all!! Freaking water!! It’s sick!!,” says the caption of the screenshotted post.

In less than a week, the post generated more than 2,000 shares, and several variations of the claim were also posted by Facebook users.

One person wrote, “Vaccinators please explain this???” with a reposted photo of a positive Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid home test that included the caption, “We only put water on it and it tested positive…no DNA just water. I’m convinced it’s in the water.”

Manufacturers of the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 test said in a statement that its test is not designed to be used with any other liquids or foods. This is because, as many doctors have pointed out, the chemical properties of other substances change the functioning of the device.

“BinaxNOW is for use with samples collected with a nasal swab inserted into a person’s nostrils,” said John Koval, a representative for Abbott Rapid Diagnostics in a statement. “BinaxNOW is not for use with water or any other foods or liquids. When used as intended, it is a highly accurate test that is helping to detect COVID-19 and can significantly improve efforts to control transmission.”

The company cont inued, “Spreading misinformation with deliberate misuse of a medical product during a pandemic is misleading, irresponsible, and dangerous to public health. Other liquids have chemical properties which can cause a chemical reaction on the test strip, resulting in misleading or inaccurate results. Failure to follow the instructions for the test procedure and interpretation of test results may adversely affect test performance and produce misleading or invalid results.”

Like swimming pool water, guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that COVID-19 is not in drinking water due to “treatment methods” used to “neutralize infectious pathogens.”

The Environmental Protection Agency also said in a statement that “The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.”

The Centers for Disease Control has also published a statement about recreational water, such as water in pools and spas. “CDC is not aware of any scientific reports of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, or other treated aquatic venues.”

Additionally, scientific studies have demonstrated that a free chlorine level of 0.5 ppm resulted in complete inactivation of SARS-CoV over the 30-minute timeframe tested.

Furthermore, as it pertains to swimming pools, a study published in October, 2021, entitled “Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in chlorinated swimming pool water” states that a “30-second contact time at room temperature with water of a pH of no more than 7.4 and free chlorine above 1.5 mg./l. (1.5 ppm) resulted in at least a 3-log10 reduction in viral titer within 30-seconds.”

The authors concluded that when pools are maintained such that they adhere to guidelines for chlorination, bathers can feel confident of their own safety.

The virus is not a waterborne pathogen and is inactivated relatively quickly in treated water.

However, it is still recommended to adhere to social distancing at aquatic venues.

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK