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.
Holmes said the city collects data from 11 regions with populations greater than 3,000 people. The data is used to inform the City Council ahead of decision-making and can be an outbreak warning to the community.
“When the City of Tempe tests wastewater, we are doing that for community health," Holmes said. "Wastewater signals can give you almost about a seven-day lead time, and so, during the pandemic hospitals, doctors' offices, our state and county health partners were also looking at our data.”
Holmes said the data pinpoints areas in the community where resources are needed.
“We were able to do better outreach and education and focus our efforts for that particular area of our community and we might do something different in a different area based on what the signals are telling us and the trend data," Holmes said.
The data is published on a public dashboard.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. And don't forget to subscribe!
Get to know 12News
At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.