Illinois Protects Community Health with Wastewater Monitoring
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) leads a statewide program that uses wastewater to understand community health. By testing samples from treatment plants across Illinois, IDPH monitors viruses that affect our everyday wellness and shares this information with communities.
Wastewater treatment plants across Illinois volunteer to collect samples of wastewater each week. These samples represent a small fraction of the total wastewater flowing into a treatment plant over the course of the day from the wastewater catchment area (communities that are serviced by the plant) and thus represent the community as a whole. These samples are processed and analyzed at the University of Illinois Chicago to detect the genomic signatures (nucleic acid) of influenza A, influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). A sample of the captured genetic material is then sent to Argonne National Laboratory for genetic sequencing and analysis to identify specific variants of SARS-CoV-2. Northwestern University and the Discovery Partners Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign work to present this data clearly on our website. Collectively, IWSS takes wastewater from the sewer pipes and produces health information for local leaders, health departments, doctors and community members to stay informed, make proactive choices, and keep Illinois communities healthier and stronger.
With more than 67 participating wastewater treatment plant partner organizations managing 80 sites, IDPH’s wastewater surveillance program is one of the most comprehensive in the country. It supports proactive decision-making, helps communities stay prepared, and promotes the health and wellness of people across the state.
This program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program, which includes a focus on SARS-CoV-2 sequencing among other public health priorities.
