“End of Wastewater Testing Program Halts Vital Research at University of Waterloo”
The decision by the province to terminate funding for a wastewater testing program will halt ongoing research conducted at the University of Waterloo.
Waterloo
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Mark Servos, a biology professor at UW and Canada Research Chair in water quality protection, has been leading the research effort, which extended beyond monitoring COVID-19 markers to include influenza A, influenza B, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and other contaminants across various regions, including the Region of Waterloo.
Expressing disappointment over the funding cut effective July 31, Servos emphasized the critical role of wastewater testing in enabling public health units to prepare for increases and changes in respiratory viruses.
The provincial government justified its decision by citing the need to avoid duplicating efforts with a federal program. However, critics like Dr. Nicola Mercer from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health argue that wastewater surveillance remains a valuable tool for safeguarding public health.
Dr. Thomas Piggott, the medical officer of health in Peterborough, also expressed dismay, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of wastewater testing in monitoring community transmission of diseases.
While the federal government plans to expand testing sites in Ontario, including four new cities, details on specific locations and continuation in regions like Waterloo remain unclear.
Despite the setback, Mike McKay of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research confirmed that testing will continue in the Windsor-Essex area with federal support, following a successful grant application.
Mark Servos acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the future of UW’s wastewater research, noting its significant contributions during the pandemic and emphasizing the potential of wastewater analysis as a powerful surveillance tool for monitoring public health on a large scale.
