Veolia heads a groundbreaking wastewater epidemiological surveillance across Europe

Veolia is leading a European epidemiological surveillance initiative that uses wastewater analysis as a tool for monitoring public health in real time. The program aims to identify potential health threats early and support public health efforts in urban areas across Europe.

As part of the three-year project, Veolia will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing up to 500 wastewater samples from various European cities at its laboratories in Spain. Each sample will undergo over 500 types of analyses, targeting pollutants, viruses, bacteria, and drug residues.

The initiative supports the updated European directive on wastewater treatment, which includes epidemiological surveillance as a component of public health strategy. It also aligns with the European "One Health" approach, which seeks to better understand population behavior, evaluate public policy impacts, and identify emerging threats, contributing to the broader goal of improving health resilience in Europe. These priorities were recently emphasized in the European Water Resilience Strategy.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Cetaqua (Veolia’s Water Technology Center), and the University of Santiago de Compostela

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Cetaqua (Veolia’s Water Technology Center), and the University of Santiago de Compostela.

Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, stated: “Being a pioneer means anticipating tomorrow's challenges, and that's exactly what we're doing here, by transforming wastewater into an early warning tool on a European scale. This project is a concrete embodiment of our GreenUp strategic plan: our environmental solutions are also solutions for the health of citizens and the resilience of European territories. We are delighted to be able to bring the Group's expertise in water treatment and environmental health to the European Union, and to pave the way for a more connected, intelligent, and preventive public health system.”

The program builds on more than a decade of wastewater monitoring experience in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, representing coverage of nearly one-third of the Spanish population.

Daniel Tugues, CEO of Veolia Spain, commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the untapped potential of wastewater for public health monitoring. This project puts that learning into practice on a large scale. We are very proud that the expertise of our teams is recognized at the European level. Thanks to this project, Spain is at the forefront of a new approach to environmental health, combining scientific rigor, technological innovation, and a commitment to the common good.”