Corona Virus Info - City Monitoring

We want to reassure everyone who lives or works in Fairfield that we are closely monitoring information from various health and government organizations about current Corona Virus (COVID-19) conditions. For the safety of everyone in the City, we will take appropriate actions if they become necessary. If actions on the part of the City are deemed necessary, we will share information via the City’s social media outlets, website and area news outlets. 

See the most recent notice from City Manager Mark Wendling on March 17, 2020

For other information that you need about this virus and its impact, we suggest that you stay connected to or get in contact with the following official resources:

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) 

• Public call center to answer questions regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) 
• 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). 

Center for Disease Control (CDC) 

The Butler County Health Department 

Miscellaneous Information:

Utility Billing & Collection

The Finance Department remains open to the public but Fairfield Utility Billing customers are encouraged to use other options available to make payments:

• Pay Online - City of Fairfield Utility Billing Payments
• Pay by Phone - Call 513-867-5370; Option 1 to pay with a credit/debit card or by e-check.
• Pay by Mail - Mail check or money order to Fairfield Utilities, P.O. Box 94883, Cleveland, OH 44101-4883.
• Deposit a non-cash payment in an envelope at the drop box located on the south side of the Municipal Building at 5350 Pleasant Avenue

Additionally, if a property owner needs to start or stop service at his or her residence, that can be done online at https://www.fairfield-city.org/268/StartStopTransfer-Utilities

Income Tax

The Finance Department remains open to the public, but Fairfield residents and businesses are encouraged to use several other options available to prepare, file or pay their local income taxes. Using these options limits as much as possible the necessity for walk-up traffic and contact with other people.

• Drop box in the Municipal Building Annex Lobby
• Contact the department by phone - 513-867-5327
• Email income.tax@fairfieldoh.gov a
• Fax - 513-867-5333

Why are the City’s paramedics responding to calls wearing masks and surgical scrubs?

We do apologize for the appearance that this protective equipment creates. It is purely precautionary for the calls where the patient is reporting fever, cough, and respiratory issues. The 911 Dispatchers are screening calls specific to patient information and if it is reported that the patient has a fever, paramedics take precautionary measures by wearing respiratory protection and an outer garment to reduce the potential for contamination if it could possibly be present. Prior to transport, the hospital is notified that, upon arrival, the patient will be placed in isolation until properly diagnosed. 

Does the virus live in drinking water? 

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus survives in drinking water or wastewater. The following facts about Fairfield’s water and wastewater operations are also noteworthy:

•    The Water Treatment Plant pumps fresh ground water from wells that are over 150 feet deep. The likelihood of viruses and/or bacteria of any kind living in this type of environment is extremely small.

•    The Water Treatment Plant disinfects all drinking water with chlorine gas. Chlorine is a strong disinfectant and experts believe it is effective against the coronavirus as it is against other viruses. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant against common bacteria such as coliform and E. Coli, both of which have a higher resistance to disinfection than the coronavirus.

•    The Water Division collects at least 50 water samples each month from all different parts of the City and tests those samples for bacteria and chlorine levels. These tests ensure that the system is maintaining the proper level of chlorine to sufficiently protect the water supply from pathogens and viruses.

•    The Wastewater Treatment Plant uses UV light to disinfect treated wastewater for six months out of the year prior to discharge to the Great Miami River. UV light is an effective disinfectant against the coronavirus as it is against other viruses. UV light is used as an extra step in the sewage treatment process from May 1 through October 31 which coincides with possible recreational activities in the river. This extra step ensures the safety of people who may fish, swim or boat in the river. 

The best way to protect yourself from the spread of this virus is by using good hygiene.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.