During the trials, experts at 44 treatment works will be analysing samples of wastewater for fragments of the disease.
The residues could be used to discover the presence of the virus in the population, including among those who do not have symptoms or before they develop them.The World Health Organisation has said there is no evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted through sewerage systems, but scientists believe nationwide monitoring of them could be a good way to identify future hotspots.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:"We are working closely with researchers, water companies and devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to monitor for fragments of coronavirus genetic material in wastewater.
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