What is wastewater surveillance?
Wastewater surveillance helps find early signs of disease spreading in a community. It can give public health experts information about illnesses within a community. This early detection allows public health experts to act before more people become infected.
All data are preliminary and subject to change.
About the Data:
Sample collection:
- Wastewater treatment facilities collect samples of raw sewage before it moves on to the treatment phase.
- The treatment facility sends the sample to a laboratory for testing.
- Facilities submit samples multiple times a week, allowing for data trends to occur.
Laboratory Process:
- After receiving the sample, the lab processes the samples to concentrate any pathogen RNA that may be present.
- The amount of RNA is quantified for specific diseases like SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and Influenza A/B.
These labs currently offer testing:
- Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL)
- WasewaterSCAN
- Verily
Data Reporting:
- Labs report quantified 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:
- Emerging health threats
- Activity of interest
- Disease trends
The data presented combine results from all participating wastewater treatment facilities in Maine and their respective laboratory testing sites.
Maine Wastewater Surveillance Data
How does it work?
When someone is sick with an infection, they can release tiny bits of the germ (pathogen) in 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 scientists will test it to see if any pathogens are present.
The lab sends results back to the wastewater facility and the local health department. Testing occurs multiple times a week. This routine data shows health officials when people in the community are getting sick. Health officials use this data to make health recommendations. This includes sharing safety tips or offering more testing/vaccines to affected communities.
Why is it important?
This testing helps spot growing health problems early – even if people aren't going to the doctor or getting tested. It's a quick tool to check the health of large groups of people, from hundreds to even millions. It can also help track new health threats and changes in infection patterns (seasonality, mass gatherings, etc.).
Terms to Know:
Pathogen: Tiny organisms that can make people sick. Types of pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Virus Concentration: The number of viral RNA copies in each liter of wastewater.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA): RNA is the genetic material of many organisms. It holds the instructions to make each part of the organism, including viruses or bacteria. Wastewater testing measures the copies of RNA in a wastewater sample. We estimate the number of pathogens in wastewater from the number of RNA copies in each liter of wastewater.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Healthy people typically recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for infants or older adults. RSV is most common in the fall and winter months.
SARS-CoV-2: SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. Most patients experience relatively mild flu-like symptoms and can recover at home. Some patients may experience more severe respiratory illnesses. This includes people with underlying medical conditions.
Influenza A/B (Flu): Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Flu usually causes mild to severe illnesses. In severe cases it can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.