Staying informed is very important at this time when everyone is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, the Water Research Foundation held a second webcast on April 16th to review the latest research specific to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and wastewater treatment systems. Interest in this topic is very high — over 3,500 people logged on to this webcast.

NEBRAMail learned from the webcast – but it should not surprise our members – studies show that workers in water resource recovery facilities (WRRF) have much higher viral antibodies than the general public. It’s possible some have already developed antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. Studies by the University of Arizona of the “transferability” of viruses like the novel coronavirus from have shown no transmission by feces or fomites -- various surfaces we come into contact every day. However, the virus can survive on smoother surfaces for days (2 to 3 days on plastics and stainless steels) so it’s important to disinfect regularly. Numerous research articles confirm that the virus is not viable for very long in wastewater and that wastewater is not a significant infection pathway (see Nature article, also included in NEBRA’s April 15th Research Abstracts).

SARS-CoV-2 remains primarily a respiratory virus being spread by aerosol “emissions” coming from an infected person. One knowledge gap has to do with whether or not aerosolized wastewater (from aerated treatment tanks and other potential discharge points) is an infection pathway. There is also much more research needed specific to viruses in biosolids.

Researchers can find evidence of the virus in fecal matter and wastewater. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in patient feces for up to 5 weeks after the patient has recovered. This has led to some interesting studies of virus monitoring in wastewater as discussed by Dr. Sally Brown in NEBRA’s April 15th Research Abstracts. It has put the nascent field of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) in the news (see subsequent article for more on WBE).

It’s important to protect yourself when working with raw sewage. There are much higher exposures and potential for infection when performing certain tasks like cleaning raw sewage tanks and working on sewage pumps and aeration grids. These studies inform the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)’s recommendations for personal protective measures for wastewater personnel.

Hopefully all our operator members stay physically healthy and unaffected by this coronavirus because the job you do is essential. It seems the public may finally be starting to recognize the important role clean water operators play in public health.