Protecting Our Communities, One Sample at a Time
Did you know we can track viruses in our communities through wastewater?
When you flush the toilet or wash something down the drain, you might not think about it again. But that wastewater can actually help protect your community’s health.
NCDHHS tests samples from select wastewater treatment plants across NC to see how COVID-19, flu and RSV are circulating.
People with these viruses shed tiny viral particles in their stool. In wastewater, these particles are no longer infectious but can still be measured. This testing helps health experts spot the trends in disease – often before people know they’re sick. This helps public health teams understand how viruses are spreading in communities.
Track the spread: Visit the Wastewater Monitoring Dashboard for virus levels in NC.
“Wastewater monitoring is a valuable tool for local health departments to track illnesses like flu and COVID in our communities. We use the information to inform health messaging and encourage public health action like vaccination or notifications to local health care providers.”
–Ellis D. Matheson, Buncombe County Health Director
North Carolina’s Wastewater Monitoring Network (NCWMN) shows how science and community partnership help keep people healthy. With this system, local health departments can act fast, prevent outbreaks and share clear information that protects everyone.
This work is a team effort by:
- NCDHHS
- University of North Carolina researchers
- Wastewater utilities
- Local health departments
Get Involved
In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named NCWMN a National Wastewater Surveillance System Center of Excellence.
NCWMN is looking for volunteers to join our Center of Excellence Advisory Board. The board will help guide the work and goals of the NCWMN Center of Excellence.
We are looking for:
- Three wastewater utility representatives
- Five local and state health department representatives
- Four academic partners
- Two other key partners
Share your expertise and support NC wastewater monitoring: Contact Ariel.Christensen@dhhs.nc.gov.