For Immediate Release:

May 5, 2020

Minimizing health risks in water systems as Arkansas begins reopening

Little Rock, Ark. – As Arkansas enters phase one of its reopening plan, customers and workers across the state will be returning to facilities that have experienced reduced water use in recent weeks. It’s critical that building operators take steps to address potential chemical and microbial health risks that can develop in water systems that have been idle.

The Arkansas Department of Health recommends these actions:

• Thoroughly flush the building’s plumbing system before fully reopening. Begin at the point of entry and flush outwards through the entire building, including all fixtures and showerheads. Check cold water supply for chlorine to indicate fresh water has entered the system.
• Consider draining storage tanks like water heaters and softeners, and check for sediment buildup.
• Check aerators, filters, showerheads and other equipment for particles, and clean as necessary.
• Clean ice machines, and dispose of three batches of ice after flushing the system.

Building operators can submit samples to the Department of Health to verify the bacteriological safety of the water supply. Details on the process and cost for that service are available here.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What You Need to Know

Rogers Water Utilities is following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely. Get information about how we are addressing it: COVID-19 Information

Important Update: H2O: Help to Others Program

Rogers Water Utilities has developed Help 2 Others (H2O) to assist customers in paying their water bill when they face medical emergencies, temporary loss of employment, unexpected financial shortfalls beyond individual control and other unfortunate situations.

Sign up online to help others in your community during this difficult time

Important Update: Customer Service Walk-In Lobby Closure

Rogers Water Utilities continues to monitor daily developments regarding COVID-19 at the state and national level. We are following guidance from the CDC and our local health and emergency response officials.

Our focus now is to increase preventative actions to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in order to keep our customers, employees and communities healthy. We encourage you to stay informed and consider the CDC website as a resource for further information.

Beginning Monday, March 16, our Customer Service Lobby at 601 S 2nd Street will be closed to walk-in customers. The drive-thru will remain open. Please know that our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Service Team is still available to assist you by phone or by emailing service@rogersar.gov

Remember, the following options are always available for most water account needs:

📞 (1-833-362-3803) for our automated payment service

📧 service@rogersar.gov

🌐 https://www.rwu.org

📬 Leave a bill payment in our on-site drop box 24/7 (located at the drive-thru)

Where can I find more information on COVID-19?

More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and the Arkansas Department of Health

Is my drinking water safe?

Yes, your water is safe. Rogers Water Utilities distributes water produced by Beaver Water District.  The source water for Beaver Water District is Beaver Lake.

According the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), current treatment methods used by Beaver Water District in their surface water treatment plant are sufficient to disinfect water for contaminants, including COVID-19.  Standard required testing throughout Rogers Water Utilities distribution system requires a chlorine residual to ensure water is clean and safe for consumption.

For more information about COVID-19 and your drinking water, visit The Environmental Protection Agency and The Centers for Disease Control