Hunter Water and council staff who provide essential services such as garbage collection and wastewater treatment are taking steps to minimise their risk of exposure to Coronavirus.
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The region's main wastewater treatment plant at Burwood treats wastewater generated by about 190,000 people from an area stretching from Dudley to Wallsend.
A Hunter Water spokeswoman said stringent hygiene and safety measures were in place at all wastewater treatment plants.
"Our workers continue to employ best practices for protecting water quality and their occupational health, including the use of personal protective equipment," she said.
"Like other organisations, we continue to monitor and follow the latest advice from the federal government and NSW Health such as social distancing for our frontline staff, additional cleaning and hygiene measures at our offices and depots and self-isolation for those who have travelled overseas."
The spokeswoman said there was no evidence that Coronavirus was transmitted by drinking water or through wastewater systems.
"Existing water treatment and disinfection processes, including the use of chlorine, are effective at destroying viruses in water supplies," she said.
A Lake Macquarie City Council spokeswoman said the council was attempting to balance the needs of the community and the safety of staff.
"We are continuing to monitor daily developments," she said.
"We are planning and taking measures to keep essential services operating. At this stage, there is no disruption to core council services to the community, such as waste and recycling collections.
"All staff, including those in our waste team, have access to hand sanitizer, hand wash gel and other personal protective equipment as required."
A Maitland Council spokesman also said precautions were in place to protect staff.
"Council is currently assessing and where necessary making changes to work practices in all areas of the organisation with a focus on those that are considered high risk for Coronavirus. The health and safety of our people and the general public remain our highest priority," he said.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
