Wastewater Surveillance-"Messy" Science With Public Health Potential

ABSTRACT

Marginalized, rural, and resource-poor communities and their associated public health institutions stand to benefit from timely wastewater disease data that can inform local decision-making and the community members. The utility of wastewater analysis goes beyond infectious disease surveillance scientists are testing wastewater for many biomarkers of public health importance, such as pharmaceutical metabolites11 and markers of exposure to air pollution.12 Wastewater surveillance isa particularly attractive public health tool for communities with limited access to clinical testing or health care. [...]there is an opportunity for community-engaged research to design wastewater analysis approaches that meet the needs of these communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided laboratory capacity grants to many states to enhance their wastewater surveillance programs.