The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The website address is now www.phfscience.nz. Visitors are automatically redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks.

Finding COVID-19 in your wastewater

25 August 2021

COVID-19
Wastewater surveillance
Wastewater Covid Testing Container Esr
Wastewater Covid Testing Container Esr

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Articles and information published before this date may reference the organisation's former name.

Wastewater is used water from toilets, showers, baths, basins, sinks and laundries that passes through the sewerage system. ESR is testing this wastewater because the presence of viral fragments shows that SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – has been found in the sewerage system catchment. Samples are currently being collected from wastewater treatment facilities throughout New Zealand.

This early warning can lead to increased local vigilance and clinical testing and allow health authorities to target public health advice to prevent transmission.

Check out more about it here.