"More than 100 public utilities in at least 34 states have agreed to halt the practice of cutting off water to homes that fail to pay their water bills during the coronavirus crisis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been urging people to wash their hands regularly with soap, saying it’s one of the most effective methods of keeping the Covid-19 virus at bay. But that’s only possible if a household has running water.

“We are not going to touch anyone’s service during the public health crisis,” said Vince Morris, spokesman for DC Water, which distributes drinking water to District of Columbia residents after it is treated at the Washington Aqueduct. “We want everyone to have access to water for health and family needs.”"

Amena H. Saiyid reports for Bloomberg Environment March 16, 2020. [2]