Wastewater Surveillance

The latest episode focuses on the use of wastewater surveillance information in the water industry and its implications for public health. The podcast discusses how water utilities, public health organizations, and technology companies are working together to utilize wastewater surveillance data for more informed decision-making. Key topics include how this data has been utilized and shared with the public at both regional and national levels. Although the use of wastewater surveillance grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the guests also explore how its application has evolved and continues to benefit utilities, schools, and public health organizations. Additionally, the discussion covers how this information is communicated to the public across the United States and how other countries are leveraging this technology to inform public health decisions.The panel featured a distinguished group of leaders in the water industry and public health, including:·         Dr. Rachel West, Senior Scientist, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Wastewater Surveillance System·         Dr. Rochelle Holm, Associate Professor, University of Louisville; Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine·         Jennings Heussner, Government Partnerships Consultant, Biobot ·         Scott Broski, Superintendent of Environmental Services, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD)Links and Other Resourceshttps://louisvillemsd.org/disease-detectionhttps://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/about/index.htmlhttps://centers.louisville.edu/envirome/centers-programs/center-healthy-air-water-soil/chaws-research/healthy-water/wastewater-monitoringhttps://biobot.io/https://healthtracking.ky.gov/Topics/KYWSSRespiratoryVirusTracking/Pages/default.aspxBackgroundTalking H2Onestly is produced by Ms. Zonetta English, Strategic Initiatives and Project Delivery Director at MSD and the Community Leadership Council Chair for Resilience for WEF, with the support of Mr. James A. Parrott, Executive Director and CEO of MSD. Talking H2Onestly’s mission is to develop content to help utilities across the United States solve their water challenges and share their expertise. This podcast will provide all utilities with access to vital information, enabling them to maximize their funding and staffing resources. In addition, these conversations will provide an avenue for rate payers to gain insight into the intricate and complicated issues utilities face in providing critical services to our communities and introduce the audience to a variety of dedicated water professionals.