Corona virus found in sewage Coevorden – Drenthe

Virus not in Dutch tap water

That feces ends up in the sewer via the toilets. In addition to Coevorden, the corona virus has also been found in wastewater in Amsterdam, Tilburg, Schiphol and at Loon op Zand. The virus was found in Schiphol’s sewage water four days after the first person in the Netherlands had tested positive. RIVM has not found the virus in Dutch tap water.

It is not surprising that the virus was also discovered in the sewage near Coevorden. The border town was one of the first municipalities in Drenthe to announce that a person had been infected. Fifteen people have been infected so far. The Stowa – the knowledge center of the regional water managers – announced the news earlier this week on its website.

Research previously used successfully

The research shows that monitoring of sewage water is a good method for diagnosing viral infections in infected people. The DNA technique that RIVM uses to detect viruses has also been successfully used to find the norovirus, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, polio virus and measles virus in the wastewater.

The various water boards in the Northern Netherlands, including Hunze and Aa, Noorderzijlvest, Vechtstromen and Wetterskip Fryslan, have dozens of sewage treatment plants (WWTP).

Martin Timmer, head of clean water, at the Hunze and Aa water board, is responsible for the ins and outs of the thirteen WWTPs of Hunze and Aa. He expects that there will be absolute attention for the effects of the virus on flora and fauna. So far it is only legally required to remove 80 percent nitrogen and phosphate from the sewage water. “Now there is also debate whether this should be done with drug residues. After this crisis, we will undoubtedly also consider whether the corona virus should be removed from the sewage. ”

It could harm plants, frogs and fish

Because it is not inconceivable that the virus can harm frogs, fish or plants. Or that it can even hurt people, because the purified water is again discharged into channels and streams. “But a national working group will consider this, as has happened in the past with the legionella discussion.” Timmer points out once again that fighting and preventing the virus starts at the front. If that is successful, the virus will not enter the sewer.

Timmer heard weeks ago that the virus had also been found in the sewers in China. He was therefore not surprised. He also points out that employees of the water treatment plant are protected against the virus if they observe the hygiene regulations, such as those that already applied before the outbreak of the virus.