This week, American Water Works Co. Inc. (a large investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility) told its customers that influenza viruses, including swine flu, are effectively removed by filtration and disinfection.

"In the United States, federal and state drinking water regulations require filtration and disinfection of all surface water supplies (e.g., those from lakes, reservoirs, or rivers). These regulations specify specific treatment requirements for removal and inactivation of viruses," reported Dr. Mark W. LeChevallier, director of Innovation & Environmental Stewardship for American Water.

“Because influenza viruses, including swine influenza A (H1N1), are more susceptible to disinfection than most enteric viruses (like Poliovirus, Hepatitis A, or Norovirus), and the influenza viruses are slightly larger and more effectively removed by filtration, current drinking water treatment barriers provide a high degree of protection from ‘swine flu.’ We want to reassure our customers that they do not need to be concerned about the safety of properly treated drinking water with respect to swine influenza A."

More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

Source: American Water Works Company Inc.