National wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2
The national wastewater surveillance in Denmark covers 49% of the population. Wastewater samples are collected from 29 wastewater treatment plants distributed across the country, allowing the development of SARS-CoV-2 to be monitored both nationally and regionally.
SARS-COV-2 status in wastewater as of 11.03.2026
In week 10 (March 2 - March 8) the national SARS-CoV-2 concentration in wastewater, indicating the amount of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the population, is at a very low level.
In all five regions, the concentration is likewise at a very low level.
The national growth rate, which is the average weekly growth over the past four weeks (February 9 - March 8), is not calculated this week due to increased uncertainty caused by very low concentrations.
National concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater over time and the current growth rate
The figure below shows the concentration levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater across all sampling locations, as well as this week's growth rate. The growth rate is categorized as follows:
- Very strong increase (> 50%)
- Strong increase (25% to 49%)
- Increase (10% to 24%)
- No growth (-9% to 9%)
- Decrease (-24% to -10%)
- Strong decrease (-49% to -25%)
- Very strong decrease (< -50%)
Regional concentration levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and development over time
The figure below shows the level of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater for each region, along with the regional development of SARS-CoV-2 concentration over time.
Download wastewater data
Data from the national wastewater surveillance (11.03.2026)
Information on the National Wastewater Surveillance
In the national wastewater surveillance, 29 untreated wastewater samples are collected from treatment plants across Denmark.
- A proportion of the viral particles excreted by individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 ends up in wastewater, for example through bathing, handwashing or toilet use, and can therefore be detected in wastewater.
- Wastewater samples are collected using an automatic sampler over a 24-hour period. Personnel at treatment plants collect the samples and record relevant data associated with the sampling.
- The wastewater samples are transported to the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), Department of Virology and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, where they are pre-processed and analyzed using RT-qPCR to estimate the number of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles per liter of wastewater.
- The naturally occurring plant virus Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), which is ingested through food and excreted in feces, is used as an indirect measure of the amount of fecal matter in wastewater. By measuring the concentration of PMMoV, adjustments can be made for wastewater dilution (e.g., due to rainwater) and the number of people using the sewage system in each catchment area.
- The laboratory results are analyzed by the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at SSI.
The wastewater results are compiled weekly as:
- A weekly weighted average concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, which is categorized in one of five levels, ranging from very low to very high concentration. This is done for each region and for the entire country.
- A growth rate that describes the change in the national concentration level based on the past four weeks of data. The growth rate is, however, not calculated or published if the SARS-CoV-2 concentration is at a very low level or if sample testing is associated with high uncertainty due to significant dilution.
