San Marcos Utilities Provide Normal Service Levels During COVID-19 Event

The City of San Marcos utility and transportation systems have preemptively implemented policies to ensure full-service access to water, wastewater treatment, transportation, and electric power services to customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic event.

“In concert with CDC and EPA guidelines concerning the virus, we have developed several layers of protective measures to safeguard our employees from infection while maintaining full operational performance and regulatory compliance,” said Tom Taggart, Director of Public Services. “These services are the foundation of public health and of utmost importance as we strive to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19 within our community.”

New policies include changes in personnel assignments, schedules and hours to provide greater separation of workgroups to minimize contact between employees.

Teleworking has been implemented for administrative staff and work vehicles have been reallocated to increase crew social distancing.

The City has also identified qualified backup personnel who have the expertise to perform operational duties and ensure continuity of services in the event of staff shortages.  

Additionally, inventory staff have appropriately increased supplies of chemical and construction materials to maintain adequate materials throughout any supply chain disruption.

“We want our customers to feel assured that measures are in place and additional options have been developed for worst-case conditions to ensure full-service capacity to our community,” said Taggart. “Utility and transportation systems are critical services and through careful planning, the City continues to provide service at normal, consistent and safe levels.”