Wastewater Reveals Drug Trends | Lincoln News

Lincoln’s health department is using wastewater to anonymously track drug use across the community, revealing trends in meth, fentanyl, opioids, and addiction medications — all without identifying individuals. Part of a national pilot with 76 sites in 41 states, this innovative system, developed by an MIT spinout, delivers results in under two weeks, turning sewage into a public health early warning system. While meth use stays steady, the Midwest shows declines in cocaine, fentanyl, and xylazine — and Narcan usage peaked then fell. This data empowers local officials, harm reduction groups, and clinicians to target resources where they’re needed most, turning collective data into lifesaving action. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7317a08e272f0e03