ERWAT Research and Development
ERWAT is committed to partake in results-driven research that is not only aligned with the strategic objectives of the company, but also with national and international goals and objectives for the water and sanitation sectors. Recognising the value that lies in forming strong research partnerships, ERWAT currently collaborates with various universities (e.g. the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University and WITS University), as well as research institutes such as the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Our research focusses on a variety of topics ranging from improving effluent quality and treatment efficiencies while reducing operational costs, improving laboratory test methods, preparing for the impacts of climate change, promoting urban resilience, studying the role of wastewater in public health and disease epidemiology, and understanding the impact of pollutants of emerging concern.
As a water care company, ERWAT actively seeks participation in local forums and reference groups, providing technical inputs and guidance on projects related to water and sanitation. ERWAT is an active member of various national and international institutes and participates in the National Water Services Scientific Forum (NWSSF) coordinated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
REPORTS
WRC Proof of Concept Study: Wastewater-basedepidemiology for surveillance of the spread of Covid-19 in South African communities
This report was prepared by the Research Team – J. Mans, M.B. Taylor, B. Genthe, L. Coetzee and G. Pocock on WRC Project number: C2020-2021-00353. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 98% of wastewater samples collected. [...]
PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY: Application of wastewater-based surveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in South African communities
The overall aim of this proof of concept study is preliminary testing, optimisation and validation of sampling and virus analysis methods, as well as results interpretation and reporting in the South African context. The study [...]
