Sewage monitoring is being established across the UK as part of
an advance warning system to detect new outbreaks of coronavirus.
The new approach is based on recent research findings that
fragments of genetic material (RNA) from the virus can be
detected in waste water. This could be used to detect the
presence of the virus in the population, including those who are
asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic.
The World Health Organization is clear there is currently no
evidence that coronavirus has been transmitted via sewerage
systems.
Sampling from sewage treatment works around the country will
begin shortly. Data gathered will be used to refine the approach
and feed into the Covid-19 Alert System created by the Joint
Biosecurity Centre (JBC).
Techniques are still in their infancy, so the government and
Devolved Administration partners are working closely with
academics, UK Research and Innovation and the Natural Environment
Research Council and water companies in developing and testing
this cutting-edge approach.
This UK work is being coordinated by Defra, the Environment
Agency and the JBC, working closely with water companies and the
Universities of Bangor, Edinburgh, Bath and Newcastle.
In Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has begun
analysis of the first samples of waste water provided by Scottish
Water, coordinating the work with the Scottish Government's
Centre of Expertise for Waters, the University of Edinburgh’s
Roslin Institute and Health Protection Scotland.
In Wales, a number of options to support specific wastewater
monitoring projects are being assessed, which would complement
the UK programme to aid Covid-19 surveillance.
Further details will be released as the work develops.
ENDS:
Notes to editors:
Representatives from Defra, Environment Agency, ONS, the JBC,
Public Health England, SEPA, National Resources Wales, Scottish
Water, Thames Water, NI Water, DWR Welsh Water, Bangor
University, Cardiff University and the University of Edinburgh
sit on the working group.
