Statewide safer-at-home order

The statewide safer-at-home order issued by Governor Jared Polis on Wednesday, March 25 does not change the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s (Metro District) authority and ability to continue to operate and maintain wastewater treatment operations, including active construction in support of those operations. In addition, the order does not restrict essential employees from traveling to Metro District facilities for work.

Adjustments to daily routines

The Metro District is taking extraordinary measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, vendors, contractors, and communities asthe coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve.Adjustments to daily routines will provide continuity of treatment plant operations –which is necessary for public health and safety and continued environmental regulatory compliance.

The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Metro District) is taking extraordinary measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, vendors, contractors, and communities as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve. Actions taken are necessary to ensure the Metro District can continue to provide critical wastewater treatment service to 2.2 million people in our 805 square-mile service area in metropolitan Denver.

Leadership, safety, and security teams are monitoring and assessing guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.  Adjustments to daily routines will provide continuity of treatment plant operations – which is necessary for public health and safety and continued environmental regulatory compliance. 

The following measures are in place until further notice to protect essential employees, vendors, and contractors who must have onsite access.

• Public tours are suspended.

• Public site visits are suspended.

• Media site visits are suspended. Note: Interviews are limited to virtual interviews.

• Increased workplace disinfection is underway as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

• Employee work schedules have been modified to adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

The Metro District continues to focus on its core mission – to protect the region’s health and environment by cleaning water and recovering resources.  Wastewater treatment facilities regularly treat for viruses and other pathogens.  COVID–19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection.  Standard treatment and disinfection processes at wastewater treatment plants are expected to be effective. 

EPA Statement:  Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater