24 March 2020
Goulburn Valley Water is reassuring customers that their water supply or quality will not be affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
GVW has enacted its pandemic response and preparedness plans to ensure the continued delivery of water and wastewater services while ensuring the safety of its staff, their families and the local community.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Peter Quinn said GVW is well prepared to face the challenges posed by coronavirus (COVID-19).
"We want to reassure people that drinking water remains safe," he said.
"There's no evidence that coronavirus is transmitted through drinking water and our stringent water treatment process removes any viruses through the disinfection process."
As part of these additional safety measures, GVW will close its offices, including its Shepparton headquarters on Fryers St and the Shepparton Operations Centre on Florence St, from Tuesday, March 24.
"This is not a decision we've made lightly, but it's important to take action to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and this is part of a number of additional precautions we're putting in place," Mr Quinn said.
"We're taking action early to help flatten the curve, encourage physical distancing and protect the safety of our staff and communities."
GVW staff will continue to be available for customers via phone (billing: 1300 454 500, 24hr Customer Service Centre/faults and emergencies: 1800 454 500), email, online (website and social media) and webchat.
People can also sign up to the MyGVW self-service customer portal to manage their accounts when it suits them.
A number of GVW staff have transitioned to remote working arrangements and additional safety measures have been taken for field staff to stay safe while working, but GWV is well equipped to continue delivering essential services for customers under these conditions.
Staff will continue to follow all the advice and safety measures recommended by federal and state governments.
"We'll still be undertaking critical maintenance and repairs where it's safe to do so, and we've been working with our contractors and suppliers to ensure our essential infrastructure upgrades and projects can continue to operate under the new safe working protocols," Mr Quinn said.
“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time and we’ll be working hard to minimise the impacts of any changes we make as we work to continue providing essential services.”
People can keep up to date at our dedicated information page.