The Implementation and Utilization of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology: Experiences From a Local Health Department

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is crucial for public health threat assessment.
• The COVID-19 pandemic increased funding for WBE initiatives.
• Local health departments are key players in implementing public health surveillance programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of local health department-led WBE for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.
• To monitor SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater across various community settings.
• To evaluate the utility of WBE in informing public health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A skilled team from a local health department conducted regular wastewater monitoring.
• Over 760 wastewater samples were collected from university, K-12, psychiatric, and long-term care facilities between September 2021 and May 2022.
• Exceeding a predetermined threshold triggered the provision of testing resources by health department staff.

Main Results:

• 102 out of 760 (13.4%) wastewater samples exceeded the established SARS-CoV-2 threshold.
• WBE successfully identified elevated levels of the virus in monitored locations.
• The program facilitated timely public health responses through targeted testing resources.

Conclusions:

• Wastewater-based epidemiology is a valuable and effective surveillance tool for local health departments.
• Adequate funding and a skilled workforce are essential for successful WBE implementation.
• WBE can significantly contribute to managing public health threats within specific communities.