Wastewater testing still a valuable tool for public health
Posted Dec 3, 2025 04:03:36 PM.
Last Updated Dec 3, 2025 04:03:45 PM.
Recent data from wastewater surveillance in York Region is showing that levels of influenza and COVID-19 are on the rise.
But, thanks to the data collected over the last few years, experts know that the levels are typical for this time of year, and there is no indication that communities should be concerned.
Dr. Trevor Charles is a professor at the University of Waterloo in the Department of Biology. He works with a company supplying the testing for York Region, which opted to continue with surveillance after the province ended its wastewater monitoring program in the summer of 2024.
He told 570 NewsRadio, specifically when it comes to COVID-19, they can really keep an eye on what the virus is doing.
“We can determine the variants. If you remember back to the pandemic, we were always hearing about new variants that were arising. And, those continue to arise as the virus continues to evolve.”
That information could help inform whether extra vaccination clinics might be needed or just an information campaign, and could be used to create more effective vaccines.
But Charles recognizes that the information they are able to glean from the testing goes well beyond respiratory illness.
“It gives you indications of drug use. Pharmaceuticals, other drugs that are in the system, STIs, all sorts of things you can detect. Also, antimicrobial resistance is something that we’re doing.”
Charles pointed out that testing acts as an early warning system.
“The other thing that is pretty interesting, at least from our perspective, is the ability to potentially detect emerging pathogens. So, emerging viruses, emerging bacteria that might cause problems for us in the future.”
With all the positives of wastewater testing, Charles said he can’t understand why the Ontario government wouldn’t want to know this information, especially since the price point as compared to the benefits is in the province’s favour.
“To put it into perspective, it’s less than one cup of coffee per year, per citizen of Ontario. That’s what the budget was for this program.”
