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The American Water Works Association (“AWWA”) released a survey titled:

COVID-19 Utility and Water Sector Organization Impact Survey (“Survey”)

The Survey was undertaken from April 17th – 22nd. The purpose of the Survey was to gauge the impact of COVID-19 and other actions being taken to manage risk and plan for contingencies for water utilities.

By way of summary, the Survey is stated to identify primary challenges facing water utilities which are stated to include:

• Procurement of personal protective equipment (“PPE”) (particularly N95 face masks)
• Either current or future revenue reductions resulting from COVID-19

The AWWA Survey stated that more than 56 percent of the water utilities responding indicated they are experiencing PPE supply chain issues due to COVID-19. An additional 23 percent are stated to be expecting to experience PPE acquisition issues in the near future. Further, one-third are stated to have exhausted their supplies of N95 masks.

As to reduction in revenues, approximately 75 percent of the water utilities responded they are currently or anticipating reductions in revenue. Twenty-five percent are stated to be currently experiencing revenue impacts.

In terms of impact on their ability to maintain current levels of service, approximately 40 percent of the utilities stated that the revenue reduction is at least slightly likely to be a result. Also, approximately 40 percent of utilities are stated to have reduced maintenance/repair schedules and 30 percent are delaying capital construction.

The Survey response consisted of 546 water utilities. It was conducted online. A copy of the slides documenting the Survey can be downloaded here.