COVID-19 has been detected in samples of wastewater taken from sewers on the University of Idaho campus, according to a UI research team.

Wastewater samples from eight specific on-campus living areas were collected and analyzed last week by researchers with assistance from facilities staff.

Results from the study indicate that two of the eight residence areas show evidence of the virus. Students who live in those areas were notified of the results over the weekend and will be tested for COVID-19 this week.

Thibault Stalder, from the UI Department of Biological Sciences and a member of the research team, says wastewater testing has advantages over clinical-based swab testing.