News

We have been researching the effects of upgrades to wastewater treatment plants in the Region of Waterloo for many years now and some of this work is being published.  The Water Institute wrote an article about Sean McLay (M.Sc) research on invertebrates which was recently published in River Research and Applications. 

A dynamic look inside the Faculty of Science’s Water Facility, following researchers and students as they gather field samples and study fish in our mobile and facility labs, showcasing hands-on innovation and real-world impact.

Mark Servos visited a local retention pond to help investigate a large number of fish dying. Published by Kitchener City News' Josh Piercey on Apr 2, 2025.

Professor Mark Servos and collaborators were awarded $1.35M to look at various high-risk substances found in wastewater.  Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Diana Cardenas Soraca leads the effort. 

The Water Institute congratulates Mark Servos on receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award from CEW on Oct 9th. 

Ontario ends the COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program which has been provincially funded since the fall of 2020.  It was a very important tool for pandemic preparedness and healthcare planning leaving behind a legacy of knowledge. 

As of July 31st, 2024 the Wastewater Surveillence Program in Ontario will be coming to an end. What will be next for this group of UW researchers? Find out the details from Spencer Turcotte at CTV News "What's next for UW researchers as province terminates COVID-19 wastewater testing."

Wastewater testing a ‘huge scientific success’ says UW prof as province terminates network: Final wastewater samples for COVID-19 to be taken next week. Read the full article on the Waterloo Region Record.

With the Ontario wastewater monitoring program coming to an end, find out the details and what comes after with a new article from CBC News and interview with Dr. Mark Servos.

Cancelling the provincial program — the largest in Canada — will drastically reduce the number of testing sites and could mean the end of monitoring in smaller communities, potentially missing vulnerable populations. Get the full details from the Toronto Star article.