Before the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater sampling wasn't routinely done for public health purposes. But as the case number climbed scientists and public health officials saw the value of getting a sneak peek of where the virus was spreading, and where the next hot spot might be.

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated wastewater surveillance as a public health tool, allowing scientists to detect disease outbreaks earlier.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council began monitoring wastewater for COVID in 2020, providing up to 15 days’ advance warning before clinical cases surged.

Wastewater testing helped track virus mutations and remained useful even after fewer people sought lab tests.

Today, Minnesota and the CDC continue analyzing wastewater for emerging threats like avian flu and Mpox, though challenges remain in interpreting the data.