Water Sector News
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Des Moines' sewage is carrying more than its share of coronavirus, tests suggest
Aug 10, 2021
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/health/2021/08/09/covid-19-iowa-sewage-carries-more-coronavirus-test-delta-variant-symptoms-study/5543046001/
Results have started to roll in from a study of coronavirus in central Iowa sewage, and they're not looking good.
Early tests suggest our wastewater is carrying more of the virus than seen in most other cities' sewage.
The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority recently began participating in a national project to measure the presence of the coronavirus in wastewater.
"Not everybody gets a COVID test, but everybody uses the restroom," said Scott Hutchens, director of the Des Moines wastewater treatment plant and the city's assistant public works director.