Wastewater Surveillance for COVID-19: Supporting Early Detection Across Western Canada

Overview

Centurion’s Water & Wastewater Solutions business line offered a cost-effective COVID-19 sewage surveillance service, helping customers across Canada detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. Developed in partnership with Alberta-based laboratory Discovery DNA, the testing program provided early warning signals of infection – including asymptomatic cases and new variants – at sites including industrial facilities, remote camps, schools, local municipalities, and recreational areas.

Drawing on decades of wastewater management expertise, Centurion deployed this service during the height of the pandemic to help customers and communities make informed, proactive decisions to protect health and safety.

Key Features & Benefits

Accurately detects COVID-19 viral signal in symptomatic and asymptomatic populations
Includes optional DNA sequencing to identify emerging variants
Enables early action to prevent the spread of infection across work camps and industrial sites
Supported by mobile testing capabilities for rapid response in remote locations
Developed in collaboration with Alberta-based laboratory Discovery DNA
Piloted in multiple locations, including collaboration with the University of Arizona in early testing phases