Back to the overview
Corporate News - Persons

Xylem Funds WEF Chief Medical Officer to Protect Water Professionals During COVID-19 and Beyond

24.09.2020
To help protect the health and safety of wastewater operators during the coronavirus pandemic and into the future, Xylem has provided foundational funding to the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to create the new position of Chief Medical Officer. The first scientist to fill the post is Dr. Andrew Sanderson of Howard University.
Xylem Funds WEF Chief Medical Officer to Protect Water Professionals During COVID-19 and Beyond

“There is a lot of science out there, and that science helps us to understand how to protect workers.” (Image Source: Xylem Inc.)

As Chief Medical Officer, Sanderson will guide and assist WEF in providing reliable medical information to wastewater utility managers and workers, as well as conduct research and serve as a spokesperson on medical issues for the sector. He will be supported by a graduate student from Howard University, also funded by Xylem.

“As a medical officer, my primary goal is the safety and health of the water professionals and wastewater and biosolids workers who are exposing themselves to biologic hazards – one of which is COVID-19,” said Sanderson in a recent WEF Words on Water podcast.

"The fact is that there is a lot of science out there, and that science helps us to understand how to protect workers,” he said. “Part of my job as CMO will be to translate that science into plain language so that workers will feel confident in doing the important work that they are doing, but also know what symptoms to look for and what type of things to ask for in terms of personal protective equipment.”

WEF panel finds coronavirus risks low for wastewater workers
In April this year, WEF convened a blue-ribbon panel of 16 wastewater-sector experts. The panel worked to re-examine approaches to managing biological hazards and review the safety precautions necessary to protect workers and those around them during the coronavirus pandemic.

In August, the panel determined that occupational risk of COVID-19 infection for wastewater workers is low. The panel found that standard wastewater treatment processes de-activate the virus, but also suggested additional research is needed to increase understanding of hazards and protections for personnel.

“While new information continues to emerge on COVID-19, the important work of the WEF blue-ribbon panel should serve to reassure wastewater workers that they can protect their health by following the appropriate safety protocols and being strict about the use of personal protective equipment,” Sanderson said.

More articles on this topic

Breakthrough Technologies Are Increasing Water Security for Communities and Businesses
Awards - Corporate News

Breakthrough Technologies Are Increasing Water Security for Communities and Businesses

09.05.2025 -

Thirteen startups from nine countries have been selected to fast-track their solutions in global water technology company Xylem’s 2025 Partnerships Accelerator. Focused on addressing critical challenges facing water-stressed communities and water-intensive businesses, their technologies offer new ways to detect contamination, optimize aging systems, reduce energy use, and, critically, keep water flowing.

Read more
Manchester City Legend Joleon Lescott Visits Winning Water Champions Project
Awards - Corporate News

Manchester City Legend Joleon Lescott Visits Winning Water Champions Project

26.03.2025 -

Manchester City legend Joleon Lescott recently surprised the winning project of this year’s Water Champions campaign in Tacloban City, Philippines.  Developed by Manchester City and the club’s Official Water Technology Partner, Xylem, the Water Champions Project has successfully united communities around the world for a number of years, using the power of volunteering and football to inspire positive change.

Read more
GF Building Flow Solutions: Synergies Across Product Categories for Water Flow Solutions
Technical News

GF Building Flow Solutions: Synergies Across Product Categories for Water Flow Solutions

24.03.2025 -

The construction industry is accounting for a major part of the global CO2 emissions. The need for clean and safe drinking water to serve a growing population is accelerating. GF Building Flow Solutions’ mission is to solve these challenges: the increasing demand for energy-efficient and affordable buildings, inviting and safe homes as well as access to clean and safe drinking water.

Read more