Health Canada is asking local governments to participate in their National Wastewater Drug Surveillance (NWDS) initiative. This project analyzes wastewater samples nationwide for the presence of over 500 drugs and drug metabolites.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Border Plan, announced in December 2024, Health Canada is enhancing its surveillance activities to support the Border Plan’s objectives of detecting and disrupting the illegal synthetic drug trade.
The screening list for NWDS includes but is not limited to new and emerging psychoactive substances (NPS), fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and precursor chemicals.
Health Canada is currently seeking the participation of local governments, including those near the U.S. border, to expand the NWDS to strengthen national representation. Collaborating local governments receive high-quality data on the types of drugs and NPS circulating in their area.
To participate in this initiative, please contact Health Canada.