ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri American Water is telling its customers not to worry about the coronavirus affecting the water supply. Spokesman Brian Russell says they've been scratching their heads when they see people stocking up on bottled water during the pandemic.
He says they serve about 1 million people in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties, and they have no need to worry about the supply of safe, drinkable water in their taps.
The water itself is tested several times per day and has continued to meet both state and federal standards, Russell says.
"The water remains safe to drink," Russell says. "You're not going to catch this virus from your drinking water."
Russell adds they're prepared with backups to take over for employees in "vital positions" if anyone has to miss work.
Missouri health officials reported 255 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, an increase from 183 on Monday as testing capacity increases.
The ill include five members of a St. Louis-area family, including a teacher at a preschool where several teachers have the virus.