Birmingham Water Works won’t shut water off during coronavirus outbreak

Birmingham Water Works Board

The Birmingham Water Works Board logo is shown in Birmingham, Ala., Monday, August 5, 2013. (AL.com file photo).

Birmingham Water Works won’t be cutting off customers’ water to ensure all customers have access to clean water during the coronavirus outbreak, BWW officials announced Wednesday.

The halt on collections and water service shut-offs is temporary and is effective immediately until further notice, officials said.

“We’re being told that one of the main preventive measures we need to take right now is constant hand washing,” says BWW Spokesperson Rick Jackson. “We do not want any of our customers or those visiting the area to feel uneasy about being properly prepared when it comes to safeguarding their families due to the fact that they can’t afford to pay their water bill at the moment.”

Officials said there is currently no threat of coronavirus disease contamination in the water supply.

Although collections have been temporarily halted, officials said customers are still responsible for the consumption used over time and should still make payments on their account, officials said.

On Tuesday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin suspended all “non essential” travel for city business until further notice.

“We appreciate the stance Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has already taken on this matter, and we’d like to be good stewards of the community by bringing some relief to thousands of people during this time,” says BWW General Manager Michael Johnson.

Birmingham Water Works Board serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties.

The World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday morning. COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus, is now present in 114 countries and blamed for more than 4,000 deaths. The U.S. and seven other countries have each reported more than 1,000 cases.

The virus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people. The elderly and people with other health problems can develop more severe illness, including pneumonia, the AP reported.

Last week, Ivey created a task force chaired by State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris to oversee preparation and response for the illness. State officials say there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Alabama. Fewer than 20 people in Alabama have been tested.

Read full coverage of coronavirus here.

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