• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nevada Business Magazine

The Decision Maker's Magazine

Subscribe Now!

  • Subscriptions
    • Print
    • Mobile App
    • Email
    • Nevada News & PR Wire
  • Features
    • New This Month
    • View Issues
    • Cover Stories
    • Feature Stories
    • Industry Focus
    • Building Nevada
    • Special Reports
    • Press Release Wire
    • Nevada Industries
  • Departments
    • A Matter of Opinion
    • Around the State
    • Business Indicators
    • Commentary
    • Commercial RE Report
    • Crossfire
    • Expert Advice
    • Face to Face
    • Free Market Watch
    • Inside Politics
    • Power of Attorney
    • Profit & Loss
    • Speaking for Nevada
    • Tech.knowledge.me
    • The Last Word
    • Vital Signs
  • Planning Calendar
  • Advertising
    • Advertising Info
    • Advertising Staff
    • Submission Requirements
    • Online Advertising
  • Events
    • NBM Events
  • About
    • About the Magazine
    • Contact the Staff
  • Connect
    • Business Directory
    • Press Release Wire
    • Business Calendar
    • Submit Listing
    • Post Press Release
    • Add Your Event
    • Sign Up
    • Log In
You are here: Home / Features / Sponsored Feature / Water Scientists Study Sewage

Water Scientists Study SewageTo Advance Coronavirus Research

June 1, 2020 By Nevada Business Mag Leave a Comment

Water quality researchers with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) are pursuing a novel method to detect and monitor for the presence of the novel coronavirus in sewage wastewater. The high-tech detective work uses the emerging science of wastewater epidemiology to find and measure the genetic markers of the coronavirus in untreated sewage and better understand the prevalence of the virus within the local community.

SNWA water quality testing confirms COVID-19 is not in Southern Nevada’s drinking water.

“Our water quality testing confirms the COVID-19 virus is not in our drinking water, nor is it found in our community’s treated wastewater,” said SNWA Water Quality Research and Development Manager Dave Rexing. He added that the virus also has not been found in the Las Vegas Wash, which channels more than 180 million gallons of highly treated wastewater effluent to Lake Mead each day, extending Southern Nevada’s water supplies in a safe and sustainable manner.

“We can detect the genetic signature of the coronavirus in raw sewage before it’s treated. While the virus is likely not active or even structurally intact at this stage, we can still detect its presence—similar to detecting its fingerprint,” said Principal Research Laboratory Scientist Dan Gerrity. The COVID-19 virus is primarily respiratory in nature, though studies have confirmed the presence of its genetic material in the feces of infected individuals.

While the coronavirus is not present in Southern Nevada’s drinking water, SNWA researchers are measuring the presence of the virus in untreated sewage wastewater and collecting data along with other researchers across the country. The scientists are collaborating and sharing data to better understand how the coronavirus may influence water and wastewater industries.

Initial research shows that the COVID-19 signal disappears early during wastewater treatment and that water treatment processes should be effective in destroying the virus, but scientists want to determine whether or not there are risks from the untreated wastewater supply – particularly from aerosolization in sewers and during the primary or secondary wastewater treatment processes.

In addition to monitoring the treated drinking water supply, SNWA scientists are monitoring the Las Vegas Wash, which channels more than 180 million gallons of highly-treated wastewater effluent to Lake Mead each day. The coronavirus has not been found in the Las Vegas Wash.

“We also believe the information we’re collecting about the virus will be a critical piece of the puzzle in determining its overall prevalence within a community, particularly as clinical testing remains limited,” Gerrity said.

Due to the lack of wide-scale testing throughout communities, determining the prevalence of the novel coronavirus among the population is difficult. By combining the data SNWA is collecting with the coronavirus clinical data, the community may have a better understanding of the presence of the virus in Southern Nevada.

Gerrity and Rexing note that as the virus dissipates in the community, the markers for it will disappear from the weekly samples of untreated wastewater. With SNWA’s robust water quality monitoring and testing activities, the agency will be able to quickly detect the presence of the virus if it spikes or returns.

“This research may be able to serve as an early warning system,” Gerrity said. “Should the virus spike or return, we will be able to detect the virus in its early stages. This could give officials advanced notice—perhaps before confirmation of new clinical cases.”

SNWA researchers are working with the Water Research Foundation and other scientists from across the United States to determine the level of disease in multiple communities through the study of wastewater – known as “environmental surveillance” or “wastewater epidemiology.”

Scientists in the Netherlands pioneered much of the initial wastewater epidemiology research. They were able to detect the coronavirus in sewage samples in some areas of the country even before anyone was officially diagnosed in that community.

“This is emerging research, but it demonstrates the commitment wastewater and water agencies have to applying science to help protect public health,” Gerrity said.

“With our advanced water quality research and development laboratories and our expert staff, we are in a unique position to help water, wastewater and scientific communities better understand the implications of this virus on water supplies,” Rexing said, again emphasizing that Southern Nevada’s drinking water continues to meet and surpass state and federal drinking water standards. “Our water treatment processes are effective at removing contaminants and microorganisms such as viruses.”

For more information about water quality, visit snwa.com. To learn more about SNWA’s research and development initiatives, visit WaterQualitySNWA.com.

Filed Under: Sponsored Feature Tagged With: Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)

Sponsored Features

Sponsored Features

U.S. Bank’s Good TruckComes to Las Vegas

GC Garcia, Inc. Celebrates 25 YearsAnd Looks Back on Southern Nevada’s Changing Landscape

Las Vegas Valley Water DistrictSupports Local Fire-Fighting Efforts

Behind the ScenesWith a U.S. Bank Goals Coach

Advertise With Us

Advertise With Us. more details ►

Primary Sidebar

Daunting ChallengesMedical Education in Nevada

Industry FocusHealthcare

Time & SpaceArchitectural Design Trends

Cyber SecurityKeeping Your Business Safe

Nevada News & PR Wire

  • Reflection Bay Golf Club Expands Team with Ken Wright

  • Holland & Hart Announces Election of New Partners in 2021

  • OPD5 Extends Temporary Office Closure Due to COVID-19

  • Urology Specialists of Nevada Adds Three New Health Care Providers

  • 2021 Resolutions with M Spa — January Specials for CoolTone by CoolScuplting

  • Elizabeth Pearson Earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

  • INOVA Announces Winners and Exhibit in Community Artists’ Campaign

  • Brass Cap Development Closes on Three New Valley Properties

  • Desert Radiology Completes 25 Days of Do-Gooders Virtual Gifting Initiative, Donating to 25 Charities in 25 Days

  • Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS® Releases December 2020 Existing Home Sales Report

  • Vegas PBS to Host Free Virtual Screening of the Zen Speaker: Breaking the Silence

  • Long-Time Silver State Schools Credit Union Volunteer Leonard Petoske Passes Away

  • Naylor & Braster Recognized in U.S. News Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” 2021 Edition

  • Goodwill® Among Recipients of $4.2 Billion Funding by MacKenzie Scott

  • St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Begins Healing Center Project for Child Victims of Sex Trafficking with Soil Survey Donated for $1

  • Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Donor Network West Launch Six-Day “Second Chances” Organ Donation Awareness Program for Minor Traffic Violations

  • Angela Collins Named Chief Operating Officer of Nathan Adelson Hospice; Joins NHPCO’s Quality & Standard Committee

  • NAIOP Southern Nevada Announces Newly Elected 2021 Officers and Directors

  • Immunize Nevada to Host Flu Clinic at Promise Land Community Church

  • Southern Nevada Home Prices End the Year in Record Territory

  • Dickson Commercial Group Represents Buyer of 21,781 Square Foot Medical Office Building

  • Soberlink Joins National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges With Corporate Sponsorship

  • Northern Nevada Community Leaders Named to NCET Board

  • Megan H. Hummel Appointed Partner of Lipson Neilson PC

  • Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS® Installs 2021 Officers and Celebrates Annual Awards

  • Northcap Commercial Arranges Sale of 11.33 Acres of Land for $5,377,268

  • Nathan Adelson Hospice Partners with Six Leading Non-Profit Providers

  • A Plant-Based Change of Pace: Dunkin’ Starts 2021 with the Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich

  • Vegas Helps Nonprofit Organization Launches to Facilitate Locals Helping Locals

  • Deadline for Moving Assistance Applications Extended to Jan. 15, 2021 — Move 4 Less Owners Paying for Local Moves of Families Affected by Pandemic —

  • Livestreamed Panel Discussion Will Engage Local Mental Health Experts, Community Leaders, and the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Lab on the Topic of Youth Mental Health

  • Silver State Schools Credit Union Shares its 2020 Community Giving

  • Jewish Nevada Announces New Board Members and Presents Jewish Community Leader Awards During Virtual Event in January

  • Ava Rose Agency’s Food and Beverage Clients Raise a Glass to Welcome 2021 With New Year’s Specials and Promotions

  • Throw in the New Year With Dueling Axes at AREA15

  • Take (Extra) Charge of 2021: Dunkin’s New Extra Charged Coffee Delivers 20% More Caffeine

  • Non-Profit CORE Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Trustees

  • Non-Profit CORE Treats 70 Scholars and Families to a Drive-Thru Holiday Express

  • Short-Term Career Training is Key to Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery in Las Vegas in 2021

  • Paint Contractor Gives Children Unforgettable Christmas

  • Greater Nevada Credit Union Helps People Live Greater Through Greater Giving Donations

  • Nevada Association Services Pays First Quarter 2021 HOA Assessments for 5 Families Who Lost Their Homes in November Pinehaven Wildfire

  • “Hope for the Holidays” Presented by Hope for the City Wraps With Immersive Drive-Thru Food Pantry

  • Nevada Rural Housing Authority Receives Two Excellence Awards from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies

  • Dickson Commercial Group Completes 36 Acre Land Sale in North Valleys

  • Las Vegas Real Estate Company Focuses on Neighborhoods & Communities

  • Justice Mark Gibbons to Retire from Nevada Supreme Court

  • Spencer Fane LLP Partner Ayesha Mehdi Named to American Bar Association Health Law Section Vice Chairships

  • Newly Constructed Industrial Complex Sells for $6.8 Million in Southwest Las Vegas

  • TSK Architects Promotes from Within

  • USDA Recognizes Greater Commercial Lending As #1 Business and Industry Lender in Top Commercial Lender Rankings

  • Serving our Kids Foundation Hosted Contactless Food Drive with Sponsors Clark County Medical Society Alliance, Southwest Medical, OptumCare and SOS Radio

  • Attorney Leon F. Mead II Receives Recognition for Legal Excellence for 2020 Super Lawyers® Award

  • Mendy Elliott Named Nevada Donor Network Foundation Founding Board Member

  • John Naylor Represented British Columbia Securities Commission in Landmark Decision From Nevada Supreme Court

  • Young Entrepreneur Spills Insight on Launching a Podcast

  • The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank’s High Net Worth Report Summarizes Charitable Giving Trends Impacted by TCJA

  • Application Is Now Open for the Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community (CEICNV) NCCRFund Grant Program in Nevada

  • Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys Wins “Best Accident Lawyer” in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” Reader’s Poll

  • An Outpouring of Support for Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial: Lamar Advertising Donates 68 Billboards

  • Lake Las Vegas Named #1 Southern Nevada Master Plan

  • St. Vincent’s Thrift Stores Offer Unique Gifts

  • William V. Craig, M.D. Joins Nathan Adelson Hospice in Pahrump

  • Behavioral Health NV Encourages Families to Find Substance Use Help During the Holidays

  • Project Worth Encourages Problem Gamblers to Seek Change this Holiday Season

  • JB Public Relations – Boutique Public Relations & Social Media Agency Offers Free Initial PR Crisis Communications and Consultations for Small Businesses in Las Vegas During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Move 4 Less Owners Provide Moving Help for Families Being Evicted, Affected by the Pandemic — Applications DUE by Dec. 31 —

  • D’Agostino’s Trattoria Offers Holiday Gift Baskets, In-Dining Specials, and Signature Festive Drink to Ring in the Season

  • MGM Resorts Selects TuffSkin Surface Protection for Leadership Program

  • Kelly LeGrow Named Nevada Donor Network Foundation Board Member

  • BRAZEN Architecture Founder Receives AIA Nevada’s First Ever “Citizen Architect” Honor

  • ‘Weekend College’ Launches at CSN – Designed for Busy Students, Programs in Business, IT, Healthcare and More Are Available

  • Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School Breaks Ground New $3.4 million Tennis Complex

  • Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing Looking to Hire Call Center Representatives Throughout Las Vegas

  • Trosper Public Relations Adds to Team

  • Clinician Experience Project Recognizes Southwest Medical Physician

  • Goodwill® of Southern Nevada Names New Chief Human Resources Officer

  • Dermody Properties Leases Remaining Space at LogistiCenter℠ at Speedway in North Las Vegas

  • Rita Vaswani Named Nevada Donor Network Foundation Founding Board Member

  • Nevada State Bank Wins “Best Bank” in Las Vegas Review-Journal Poll for Fourth Straight Year

  • Community Support Needed to Help Homeless Youth for the Holidays –Donate Gifts or Host a Drive–

  • SR Construction Makes Donation to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children

  • Colliers Las Vegas Broker Recognized as Broker of the Year by Prestigious Industry Society

  • Fernley Community Foundation Celebrates Progress with Polaris Grant, New Senior Center Opening

  • Vegas PBS Selects Mary Mazur as New President and General Manager

  • Silver State Schools Credit Union Receives Gold Award for “Best Credit Union” with the 2020 Best of Las Vegas Award

  • Blume Kitchen & Cocktails Plans Pop-up Dinner Featuring Chef Lanny Chin Mon., Jan 11

  • Coral Academy Awarded Gold in Four Categories for Best of Las Vegas Awards

  • NAWBO Southern Nevada Awards Henderson Councilwoman Michelle Romero With Corporate & Government Services Award

  • Nevada State College’s Early Childhood Education Center to Open Fall 2021 Within the New $61.8m School of Education Building

  • Justice Mark Gibbons Honored at Virtual Pro Bono Awards Luncheon

  • Foster Youth and Adoption Agency Mountain Circle Family Services, Inc. Celebrates 35 Years With New Name, Same Community Focus

  • Nevada REALTORS® Present Annual Awards, Including Honoring Chris Bishop as Its REALTOR® of the Year

  • Blume Kitchen & Cocktails and the Stove Host Holiday Drive-Through Experience to Distribute Meals and Essentials

  • Reno Experience District’s First Luxury Apartment Building is Now Open

  • Founders of a Boutique Design Firm Spill Insights on Building a Team and a Partnership With Intentional Leadership

  • “Angels of Las Vegas” to Hold Fundraising Gala to Benefit Children With Cancer

  • National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Form New Ad Hoc Committees to Strengthen Partnerships with Court Management and Tribal Courts

  • Nevada’s Silver State ACO Saved Medicare $48 million in 2019

  • Silver State Schools Credit Union Announces Winners for the 35th Annual Happy Times 2021 Calendar



 
Submit Your News & PR | Subscribe
Submit Your News & PR

Business Connection

Business Connection Portal

Log In Sign Up

Business Connection Portal

Log In Sign Up

Nevada Business Calendar

  • Ely Film Festival 2021
    March 12, 2021 12:00 pm

    Location: 501 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301, USA

    More details...
  • Ely Film Festival 2021
    March 12, 2021 12:00 pm

    Location: 501 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301, USA

    More details...
View Full Calendar ►

Nevada Business Directory

Featured Businesses
Find a Nevada-Based Business Submit Your Business Subscribe to the Nevada News & PR Wire

Nevada Industries

Architects & Engineers
Arts & Culture
Banking
Commercial Real Estate
Construction
Credit Unions
Economic Development
Education
Financial Management
Healthcare
Human Resources
Insurance
Law
Manufacturing
Marketing
Media
Mining
Philanthropy
Residential Real Estate
Rural Nevada
Sports
Tax Planning and Accounting
Technology
Telecom
Tourism
Transportation
Utilities

Footer

Subscriptions

  • Print Subscription
  • Mobile App
  • E-mail Subscription

Editorial

  • Features
  • Departments
  • Events

Advertising

  • Advertise
  • Submission Requirements

Connect

  • Contact
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2020, Business Link LLC dba Nevada Business Magazine and Nevada Business Journal. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Nevada Web Design services by Nevada Central Media using Genesis Framework by StudioPress