Wastewater Testing

The Town of Edson is now participating in the wastewater testing program through the University of Calgary and their partners. This is fully funded through the program and Provincial support. The data is now available at https://covid-tracker.chi-csm.ca/ (click wastewater on the top right of the page and find Edson on the map). More data points will be added as the test results come in.

What is Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE)?

Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE) is the process of analyzing wastewater to measure levels of selected substances. It is a method of monitoring for pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other substances of concern.

How is WBE helping us manage COVID-19?

Wastewater data captures all COVID-19 cases in a defined population, including symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.

The data shows that high levels of traces of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater are followed by a rise in clinically diagnosed cases, which suggests that this technology can be used as an early warning system. Alberta Heath Services is looking at the data as an additional tool to understand how COVID-19 is spreading in the community.

For more information on the program

Video --> https://youtu.be/GqTBKDzPYmg  

Article--> https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/listening-learning-and-sharing-are-key-successful-covid-19-wastewater-project  

Web Page--> https://research.ucalgary.ca/acwa/research/research-projects/covid-19-wastewater-testing

For more information on Edson's water and sewer systems, including a virtual tour of out Wastewater Treatment Plant by KLIK Solutions, visit https://www.edson.ca/departments/public-works/water-and-sewer.