Wastewater Based Epidemiology
In June 2024, WastewaterSCAN reduced their sampling sites. At that time, EBMUD paused sampling to transition from participation in the WastewaterSCAN project to data collection through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
EBMUD expects to resume collecting and providing wastewater surveillance samples in spring of 2025. Resulting data will be updated and linked on this page.
Researchers have long known that wastewater can provide a window into the health of the community. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, researchers across the country quickly mobilized and partnered with wastewater agencies including EBMUD.
Whereas a typical coronavirus test provides results for one person, sampling wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 provides an assessment for a larger community. The results are a leading indicator of the status of the pandemic because infected individuals shed the virus in poop even before they show symptoms.
Since its start in 2020, EBMUD has been part of “Wastewater Epidemiology for the Bay Area,” a group which brings together wastewater utilities, public health officers, and laboratories to analyze Bay Area wastewater samples. EBMUD, along with wastewater utilities nationwide, has also contributed to a US Department of Health and Human Services sampling program, which provided weekly results to public health officials. This data helps public health and medical experts make important logistical and policy decisions regarding public health resources, shelter-in-place orders and educational outreach.
The past results are available to view at the following locations:
California Department of Public Health – California Surveillance of Wastewater Systems (Cal-SuWers)