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Wastewater Surveillance (Sandbox)

What is wastewater surveillance?

Wastewater surveillance helps detect early signs of disease spreading in a community by identifying growing health problems, even when people are not visiting doctors or getting tested. It gives public health experts valuable information about illnesses affecting large groups of people, allowing them to respond before more infections occur. This approach can also help track new health threats and changes in infection patterns, such as seasonal trends or the impact of large gatherings.

All data are preliminary and subject to change.

Maine Wastewater Surveillance Data

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How does it work?

When someone has an infection, they can release tiny bits of the germ (pathogen) into their waste – even if they don't feel sick. This can happen when they use the toilet, take a shower, wash their hands, or do laundry.

These tiny pieces travel into the sewer system with other waste. The waste travels to a local wastewater facility for treatment. Before the facility treats the waste, the workers collect a small sample. They send the sample to a lab, where they will test it to see if there are any pathogens.

The lab sends results back to the wastewater facility and Maine CDC. Testing occurs multiple times a week. This routine data shows health officials when people in the community are infected. Health officials use this data to make health recommendations. This includes sharing safety tips or offering more testing/vaccines to affected communities. 

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Terms to Know:

Pathogen: Tiny organisms that can make people sick. Types of pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. 

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA): RNA is the instruction material of many organisms. Wastewater testing measures the amount of RNA in a wastewater sample. We estimate the number of pathogens in wastewater from the amount of RNA in a wastewater sample.

Virus Concentration: The amount of viral RNA in wastewater.

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About the Data:

Sample collection:

  • Wastewater treatment facilities collect samples of raw sewage before it moves to the treatment phase.
  • The treatment facility sends the sample to a laboratory for testing.
  • Facilities submit samples multiple times a week, so data can be seen over time.

Laboratory Process:

These labs currently offer testing in Maine: 

Data Reporting:

  • Labs report quantified pathogen levels to wastewater facilities and Maine CDC. Maine CDC reviews and uploads data for public displays on our dashboards.
  • Maine CDC submits aggregated data to U.S. CDC for national surveillance efforts.
  • Maine CDC monitors data for:
    • Urgent health threats
    • Disease trends

The data presented combine results from all participating wastewater treatment facilities in Maine and their respective laboratory testing sites.

For more information on the respiratory diseases seen on this dashboard, visit: 

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