Is Wastewater Testing Coming to a Plant Near You?
In spring 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across the globe, scientists searched for ways to stem the spread and destruction of the deadly disease. One way, they proposed, was to regularly test wastewater for coronavirus and use the captured data to track the virus’ movement. A research team from Standford University and Emory University ran with the idea and, in just a few months, developed WastewaterSCAN.
The team’s first findings were released in November 2020.
WastewaterSCAN is a web-based dashboard that reports infectious diseases in the US in real time. Using data gathered from partnering wastewater treatment plant operators, the dashboard now tracks up to a dozen diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, measles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and B, human metapneumovirus, West Nile virus, and more.
Six years ago, eight plants submitted data to WastewaterSCAN to track the coronavirus. Today, nearly 150 plants are reporting data far beyond COVID-19 – data that will inform and shape public health responses at local, regional, and national levels. As described on the organization’s website, “Our goal is to show that a national wastewater monitoring system is a valuable part of our public health infrastructure, can inform public health responses, and will help us prepare for future pandemics.”
WastewaterSCAN is just one example of some incredible new technology centered on wastewater, what’s in it, and what we can take out of it. In the latest episode of “Make It Clear: Wastewater in the News,” Angela and Shawn touch on the topic of technology in the septic tank – specifically, technology that tracks community behavior.
“There’s a worldwide consortium that’s actually analyzing the data gathered from wastewater,” Angela said. For example, “they’re analyzing wastewater to determine drug trends – what drugs are emerging, what people are really using, and where – so that they can help those who are using them.”
In Nantucket, MA, in September 2025, cocaine levels in sewage were found to be 50% above the US average. The data was based on wastewater surveillance developed during COVID that tracks the presence of high-risk substances. It tests for cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and more.
“Wastewater testing provides a valuable and cost-effective way to monitor drug-use trends,” said Massachusetts officials. “It offers near real-time insight with fewer biases and can detect substances anonymously across a large population.”
In New Orleans, LA, officials are also using wastewater testing to track viruses, like measles, circulating in the area.
“This really allowed the health department to be more proactive in managing infectious disease outbreaks in the community,” said Tiong Aw, associate professor in the department of environmental health sciences at Tulane University.
Though this testing may seem a bit invasive, there’s nothing to fear, experts said. It’s totally anonymous. They’re after data – and that’s it.
“No. 1, they’re analyzing and using this data to find trends,” Shawn said. “And No. 2, they’re looking for the best ways to funnel funds to help support community programs. They’re not using this to necessarily punish anyone or to cause panic.”
Instead, spikes and trends can be met with public health efforts, he said.
“If we’re seeing an uptick in certain types of diseases, funds can be funneled into healthcare and education about how to avoid coming down with this disease,” he said. “They’re not using it to punish anybody. And they’re not using it to point fingers at anyone. They’re using it for educational purposes.”
How do you feel about your wastewater being tested for drugs and disease? Do you think it’s a boon to public health or an intrusion into your personal choices and behavior? Let us know!
In the meantime, listen to “Make It Clear: Wastewater in the News” for the full conversation. You can find it at www.orenco.com/resources/podcasts/podcast/wastewater-in-the-news-4 or streaming on your favorite podcast platform.