Vermont Lifts COVID Restrictions
On June 14, Governor Scott lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions because 80% of eligible Vermonters had received at lease one dose of the vaccine. The State of Emergency expired on June 15.
Vaccine
All Vermonters age 12 and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We are thrilled that over 80% of eligible Vermonters have been vaccinated for COVID-19! But let’s not stop here.
If you need a vaccine, find a free walk-in clinic near you at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or 855-722-7878.
Water and wastewater are essential services and need to be prepared in order to prevent interruptions due to COVID-19. It is important for drinking water and wastewater operators to stay informed about in order to protect public health as well as your personal safety. We have compiled a list of resources below and we will keep this page updated with the latest information.
Emergency Preparedness
Vermont Rural Water has partnered with Vermont DEC and Green Mountain Water and Environment to put together guidelines to help water and wastewater systems prepare for emergency situations related to COVID-19. Click here to download the document.
We held a training on Emergency Preparedness for Vermont Utilities in July—click here to view the slides. Also take a look at this article from the American Water Works Association about using lessons learned from the pandemic to update your emergency response plan. Click here to read the article.
Shutoff Moratorium
All public water and municipal wastewater systems were under a shutoff moratorium for the duration of Vermont’s state of emergency, which lasted from March 30, 2020 to June 15, 2021. Click here for more information.
Utility Bill Assistance
The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Utility Services (VERAP-U) will cover water and sewer bills for eligible renters starting June 2, 2021. More information. The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP), which provided assistance to any customer, has ended.
Report Impacts of COVID-19
Use this form to anonomyously share information about how the pandemic has impacted staffing, operations, maintenance, and long-term projects at your water/wastewater system. This information will be used to advocate for the needs of utilities at the state and federal levels.
VT WARN
The VT WARN network has been reactivated to help water and wastewater systems share resources and receive assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak. Find more information at dec.vermont.gov/vtwarn
Masks
VT WARN has plenty of reusable cloth face coverings available for water and wastewater operators. Email info@vtruralwater.org to request masks for your system.
Water & Wastewater Designated Essential Workforce
Operational staff at water and wastewater systems have been designated as essential by Vermont Emergency Management and the US Department of Homeland Security. This means that operators have the ability and responsibility to continue normal functions during the COVID-19 response. View guidance from US Department of Homeland Security
Additionally, drinking water and wastewater are considered critical infrastructure by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. View guidance for critical infrastructure.
You can use the template below to create a letter that all system personnel can carry with them to ensure they are able to get to work and perform their job. Add in your system’s contact info and print it on town or utility letterhead.
Download the Template here.
Information & Resources
DEC – dec.vermont.gov/water/COVID-19-Response-and-Resources
WEF – The Water Professional’s Guide to COVID-19
WEF – Pandemic Continuity of Operations (COOP) Essential Personnel (3/19/20 Webinar)
AWWA – Utility Action to Sustain Operations during COVID-19 (3/20/20 Webinar)
Water World – 5 Steps for Maintaining Critical Services
EPA – COVID-19 Information for Drinking Water & Wastewater
Wastewater Resources
Suncoast Online Training – Eye & Face Protection
CDC – Guidance for Sanitation & Wastewater Workers
OSHA – Health and Safety Tips for Wastewater Operators
VT Digger – Don’t Flush Wipes!
Drinking Water Resources
WEF – Clean Water Act Regulatory Issues in a Pandemic (3/20/20 Webinar)
Vermont Dept. of Health – Prevent Water Quality Issues as Buildings Reopen
Technical Assistance
Our field staff continue to be available for onsite or remote assistance. If your system is in need of help, please reach out to us at 802-660-4988 or info@vtruralwater.org
Trainings
Vermont Rural Water will be holding training classes on Zoom at least through summer 2021. Click here to see our upcoming webinar trainings. DEC and OPR are accepting online trainings for continuing education requirements.
Last updated 6/17/21