The Canadian Coalition on Wastewater-Related COVID-19 Research is a national collaboration of municipalities, utilities, researchers, public health agencies, and governments who share a goal of advancing Canada’s ability to support the critical tasks of public health protection and surveillance in the face of COVID-19. The following principles set out the key objectives and approach of those participating in the COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition.
Principle #1 – Adopting the Coalition Framework
Activities conducted within the COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition will be organized in a way that is consistent with the Draft Wastewater Coalition Framework that better connects research areas to key public health decision-makers. Those participating in the COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition will attempt to best articulate the position of their work or research within the framework.
Principle #2 – Research and Activities Framed by End-User Needs and Decisions
Rather than emphasizing research interests and expertise areas, all research and activities conducted within the COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition will be framed and implemented in direct response to how the research outcomes will address end-user needs and support public health decision-making.
Principle #3 – Open Sharing of Ideas
Rapid sharing of ideas is imperative to group learning and achieving the collective goal. Participants in the COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition will actively share their knowledge with each other, prioritizing collective progress over individual or institutional recognition or advancements.
Principle #4 – Open Sharing of Results
Within the bounds of existing privacy protection agreements with partner municipalities or governments, all results of COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition-related work will be openly shared. Work conducted within the COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition will not be used for commercial gain, nor unduly held up due to publication or peer review requirements. The COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition will regularly share results with its international partners.