Wastewater surveillance

Wastewater is the dirty water that goes down our drains when we wash dishes or take a shower. Wastewater surveillance is when scientists and experts look at this wastewater to find out things about our health and the environment.

Think of it like being a detective, but instead of looking for clues at a crime scene, you're looking for things in the dirty water that can tell you information. By studying this wastewater, scientists can find out things like how many people are living in a certain area, what types of drugs they are using, and even if there are any viruses or diseases in the area.

This information can then be used to help make decisions about public health and safety. For example, if scientists find a lot of a certain drug in the wastewater, it might mean that there is a drug problem in that area and more resources should be put into helping people who are struggling with addiction.

Overall, wastewater surveillance is an important tool for keeping our communities healthy and safe.