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City of Tempe expanding wastewater testing program to look for respiratory & gastrointestinal viruses
Dec 11, 2023
TEMPE, Ariz. — The City of Tempe isn't letting a single flush go to waste.
The City is expanding its Wastewater BioIntel Program by testing for common viruses and vector-borne diseases.
“We’re utilizing a unique city asset," Tempe Director of Strategic Management and Innovation Wydale Holmes said.
The Wastewater BioIntel Program began in 2018 by testing sewage for opioid use.
The program pivoted to test for COVID-19 in 2020.
Now, it's growing again, adding 12 biomarkers for respiratory viruses, gastrointestinal viruses and vector-borne illnesses.
“It is similar to going to your doctor where you provide biosamples and your doctor can report back to you, your health. We’re doing that on a city level," Holmes said.