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Home , Sanitation, Waste management

COVID-19 MANAGEMENT FACTSHEET

COVID-19, wastewater, NO UNCONTROLLED DUMPING, 9 NO OPEN BURNING and Protect the environment and our

For more information visit unep.org or contact Kevin Helps (Head, GEF Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, UNEP) [email protected]

"Wastewater is a precious that the world needs to learn how to tap. Not only can it be reused to feed crops, the in our sewers can act like an early warning system that could alert us when begin to move in our urban . The freshwater we have left in the world is an incredibly precious resource, we have to get used to using it more than once and should also scan it for clues for future health crises." Susan Gardner, Ecosystem Division Director, UNEP

The problem

There is an inextricable link between COVID-19, wastewater, and sanitation. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the threats and opportunities regarding sanitation and wastewater management.

Threats Opportunities Many people who live in disadvantaged conditions lack basic COVID-19 has encouraged us to explore the way wastewater services, such as access to clean water and basic sanitation. could help us detect the spread of this virus by analyzing the These practices ensure good standards, and prevent the presence of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) linked to it in the . spreading of and viruses, including COVID-19. Detecting its concentration in the sewage could help the adoption of restrictive measures in specific areas to contain the virus and its effect on the local community.

COVID-19 also highlights the need to invest in wastewater Wastewater is a natural for dissolved (nutrient, treatment facilities and adequate sanitation. In many areas chemical, ) as as solid waste. As such, COVID-19 of the world, huge quantities of wastewater are released in brings additional challenges with the increased use of medical the environment without treatment or adequate treatment, products, including masks and gloves made of , textiles, deteriorating our environment, and posing serious to human and other single-use products. These extra loads of solid waste health. Raw sewage, and partially-treated wastewater, are discarded in the open environment or in existing drainage system, for spreading diseases, and in this , a potential mechanism could degrade in smaller pieces and contribute to the already for COVID-19 to spread faster, for example in areas where alarming amounts of plastics, , and microfibers sanitation is poor, or where the communities are exposed to open- in wastewater. sewers and black water. Guidance

Investing in the wastewater management Local communities in certain areas of the sector and in wastewater collection, world, are exposed to the of transportation, treatment, and disposal is encountering sewage and polluted water key for the health of the community and the and are likely to come in contact with planet. One publication in support of the bacteria and viruses, including, potentially, need for investing in the wastewater sector COVID-19. Raising awareness on the is the “Economic Valuation of Wastewater.” challenges related to wastewater is key to sensitize the relevant stakeholders. Example such as the Story Map “Sanitation Working in partnerships with relevant and Wastewater in Africa”, can be used. stakeholders, including the private sector, finance institutions and local communities is key to provide solutions for sustainable Guidelines for monitoring wastewater management. Adequate and pandemics such as COVID-19 in sanitation, especially in areas where the wastewater will be key in the future. community is or may be exposed to polluted Monitoring devices and staff are needed water, and sewage should be prioritized. to support these efforts. One example are the “Guidelines for the Application of Small-Scale, Decentralized Systems.” and demonstration projects on the relationship between wastewater and COVID-19 will help further understand this Reusing wastewater, especially link and act accordingly. greywater (the relatively clean waste water from , except from ), potentially reduces water stress, tackles , and increases the availability of drinking and clean water for domestic use, especially for flushing . For more information consult “Safe of Wastewater in .”

Facts

Large amounts of wastewater are released Traces of COVID-19 were found in One of the measures to prevent and break in the environment without treatment or wastewater samples worldwide for the chain of COVID-19 is to adequate treatment. This trend poses example in the USA, (, one’s hands with soap and water. serious risks to the environment and Netherlands, and Switzerland) This requirement increases the production human health, as communities are and . Monitoring wastewater and of wastewater. exposed to polluted water or raw sewage the presence of COVID-19 can help that contain bacteria and viruses, including understand the magnitude of the infection, COVID-19. These pathogens can spread and take precautionary measures, such through the fecal-oral route and affect a as mass tests, or temporary lockdowns to large community within a short time. isolate the community. Way forward

Short term Mid-term and long-term

Share knowledge and raise awareness Work together with the relevant about the link between wastewater and stakeholders, especially the private COVID-19, and the consequences of poor sector, to invest in the wastewater sanitation and unsustainable wastewater management sector and in wastewater management. At the same time, promote collection, transportation, treatment good practices, and highlight the benefits and safe disposal. of investing in sustainable wastewater management, including alternative and low-cost treatment systems, and Develop guidelines for the monitoring adequate sanitation solutions. of COVID-19 and other potential contaminants in wastewater, and invest in monitoring devices and build capacity Work in partnership with key stakeholders, of the institution and staff who could including the governments, the private support these efforts. sector and financial institutions to identify needs and response to the issue of COVID-19, sanitation, and wastewater Invest in further research and management. demonstration projects in better understanding the relationship between wastewater and COVID-19. Reuse wastewater, especially greywater, to the extent possible, in order to reduce stress on the reserves and Work with countries to develop national leave adequate quantities of clean water regional and local level wastewater for other uses, above all, personal hygiene. treatment capacity.

Improve the working conditions of workers who come in contact with wastewater and sewage, especially in informal settlements, where the availability of protective gear is limited, or absent.

These factsheets follow Resolution 8 on Sound management of chemicals and waste and Resolution 7 on Environmentally sound management of waste of the Fourth Environment Assembly