A Big Thank You to All Wastewater Professionals!

We know being away from your families or adjusting to a new work from home routine at a time like this is difficult, and we are especially grateful for you and your agencies’ persistent dedication to protecting public health and the environment during this challenging time. Clean water professionals are the unsung heroes in our communities, and we would just like to take a moment to recognize you.
COVID-19 has impacted the wastewater community in a variety of unprecedented and challenging ways, and we are proud of our member agencies as you continue to work together and support each other through these tough times. CASA is honored to stand with such resilient and talented workforces. We will continue to do everything we can to support you during these times with additional resources and continued advocacy on your behalf. Thank you for your dedicated service.

Updates to CASA COVID-19 Webpage
As new information is released and obtained, CASA continues to update our COVID-19 webpage. Some of the significant recent updates include:

  • New COVID-19 Communication Tools Page: In light of the influx of media requests to CASA and member agencies, CASA has prepared a Media Resources Toolkit to aid in agency outreach so that you and your teams can keep a focus on maintaining operations. Check here for samples of internal and external communication materials, links to recent press on wipes, and upcoming webinars. Thank you to the agencies that have provided materials, we will continue to add resources to the page as we receive them. If you have items you are willing to share with the membership, please email them to Alyssa Downs.
  • Research Page: As research related to all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic becomes available, we are gathering those studies and articles of most relevance to the wastewater sector in one place for your reference and usage. This page also contains information on efforts to utilize wastewater as a potential method of tracking COVID-19 hotspots across the country.
  • FEMA Deadlines Upcoming: Under the recent COVID-19 funding package, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received $45 billion to utilize and distribute to states and localities. As part of the funding process, FEMA requires a Request for Public Assistance in order for governmental entities to follow-up on specific reimbursement requests. To receive funds, agencies will need to submit a FEMA Form 90-49 and CAL OES forms 130 and 89. Information on this process, deadlines, and additional resources are now up on the CASA webpage. The current deadline is April 17, 2020, but may be extended by the State.
PPIC: Wastewater Treatment Kills Most Pathogens, Including COVID-19
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released an article yesterday focused on questions about managing COVID-19 in wastewater. This article includes an interview with CASA’s Executive Director, Adam Link. “I’m very encouraged by how well our agencies have come together to solve the new problems the pandemic raises and prepare for the worst together… Our agencies are working around the clock to keep systems functioning properly and prevent major breakdowns”, says Adam. Kara Nelson, an expert in waterborne pathogens at UC Berkeley is also featured and sheds some light on the “very, very low” levels of risk from the virus in wastewater. The full interview is available here.