https://news.llu.edu/research/wastewater-testing-for-disease-conducted-inequitably-new-study-says

A new study has found that wastewater-based testing of COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States is conducted in inequitable levels, suggesting that a more inclusive strategy with available funding would better protect those in vulnerable populations in future pandemics.

Researchers from Loma Linda University School of Public Health discovered that wastewater treatment plants in low-income areas or that are small and privately owned are less likely to submit testing samples to public health officials. That can leave some towns and state regions less aware of the need to take precautions in a timely manner during disease outbreaks.

The researchers said wastewater tests can be conducted with little or no cost with funding from the CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System or with other local funding.