In April, a pilot program was launched to determine whether monitoring sewage for coronavirus could provide a useful tool for public health officials for early detection of rising infections, monitoring overall community infection trends, and confirmation of low infection rates.
Read MoreSARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19, hereafter referred to as the virus) is shed in feces by infected individuals. Virus concentrations in sewage can be measured by collecting a sample at the inlet of sewage treatment plants. This information provides a pooled indicator of the status and trends of COVID-19 infections in communities served by …
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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response, drinking water and wastewater system operators have been on-duty providing vital services to homes, citizens and businesses across Utah. The Utah Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (UTWARN) was set up to quickly respond to events like the coronavirus and ensure seamless operation of water infrastructure.
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What impact did fewer cars on the road due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, teleworking and social distancing have on Utah air quality? Logan Mitchell, a researcher at the University of Utah, took a look at the data from DEQ’s monitors to find out.
Read MoreUtah Division of Drinking Water State of Utah Other Resources American Water Works Association (AWWA): Rural Water Association of Utah (RWAU) Utah Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (UTWARN) US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA): Water Environment Federation (WEF) CDC U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Labor Association of State Drinking Water Administrators:
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Enforcement of regulations that directly affect human health will take priority as Utah DEQ works with regulated communities on a case-by-case basis to determine reasonable exemptions to environmental rules. The department will continue monitoring sources of pollution to protect the safety and health of Utah residents.
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The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in residents flushing other paper products down the toilet. This has caused an increase in backed-up toilets and overflowing sewer lines in Utah and across the country. Even wipes marketed as “flushable” will clog pipes.
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As promoters of clean air and reduced emissions, DEQ’s Division of Air Quality has learned a few things about working from home. We didn’t expect to be sharing these tips during a pandemic. Nonetheless, here are some tips on how to make the most of teleworking in the coming weeks.
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To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and encourage the practice of social distancing to help “flatten the curve,” the scientists, engineers and staff of Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality are mostly working remotely. During this time, the department will conduct business as usual.
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The Utah Department of Environmental Quality wants residents to know that their public water supply is safe. In the case of quarantine or outbreak related to the coronavirus, public drinking water systems are designed to continuously deliver safe drinking water to your tap.
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Air Quality
Drinking Water
Environmental Response and Remediation
Waste Management and Radiation Control
Water Quality
Executive Director’s Office