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Desert Water Agency is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. The tap water at your homes is a safe and reliable option that we provide even under stay at home orders. You can continue to drink, cook with and use tap water as you have in the past.

Financial assistance is available for those financially impacted by COVID-19.

Help2Others - Apply Now
United Way COVID Recovery Fund - Apply Now

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs

Is it safe to drink tap water?
Yes. The virus has no impact on the quality of tap water. DWA tests water on a daily basis to ensure it meets the state’s rigorous drinking water standards, which are some of the toughest in the world. Water quality information is detailed in our Water Quality Report, which can be found at www.dwa.org/wqr.

Some people prefer to use a sink, fridge or pitcher filter for their tap water.

What if I can't pay my bill?

On March 17,  2020, Desert Water Agency's Board of Directors voted unanimously to continue suspending water shut offs. That policy has been continued through Sept. 30, 2021. No customer will have their water turned off for non-payment during this time.

If you've been financially impacted by COVID-19, you can also apply for a water bill credit at www.dwa.org/h2o

The Agency has also waived late fees since March 17, 2020, but those will resume Aug. 1, 2021. We are absorbing all of the processing fees for payments by phone and online credit card payments.

Can the Coronavirus be transmitted through drinking water supplies?
Desert Water Agency treats its drinking water with chlorine to remove any contaminants and disinfect the water system.

The World Health Organization recently put out a report that emphasizes the effectiveness of this treatment in safeguarding against transmission of COVID-19.
The CDC also indicated COVID-19 has not been found in drinking water.

Additionally, the vast majority of the drinking water we deliver comes from beneath the ground directly into our pipeline system. It is not exposed to people until you open your faucet. Likewise, the stream water we use is disinfected with both chlorine and ultraviolet light.

Do I need to stockpile bottled water?
No. While it is always a good idea to have some stored water as part of an emergency supply kit in case of earthquakes, tap water is safe for everyday uses like drinking, cooking and hygiene. It is also reliable and less expensive than bottled water. Some people prefer to use a sink, fridge or pitcher filter for their tap water.
What if I run out of toilet paper - can I flush wipes?
No. You should ONLY flush:

  1. #1
  2. #2
  3. toilet paper

All other items (“flushable” wipes, tampons, cloth, floss, hair, etc) should go into the trash can.

I’m getting ready to re-open. How do I ensure the water in my building is safe?
Buildings that have been vacant need to flush water when they return to operation. Water should run from every fixture for five to ten minutes. This clears that water out that has been sitting stagnant in pipes on private property and brings in the clean water that is in the public system. People can collect some of the water being flushed to use on landscaping or to put in the toilet tank. It should not be used for household purposes or to put into the pool.

More resources on COVID-19

World Health Organization report on drinking tap water

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on Coronavirus

California Department of Public Health information.

RIverside County Department of Public Health information.

Palm Springs information .

Cathedral City information.

Desert Hot Springs information

Desert Water Agency's Help2Others customer assistance program.

SoCalGas Co. customer assistance program.

Southern California Edison bill assistance program.

United Way of the Desert and Lift to Rise economic and support program.