Since August 2022, the Network reached coverage in each of the 62 counties in New York State.
Vision
To enhance the capabilities of wastewater surveillance data in combating emerging diseases, promoting public health resilience and fostering community engagement across New York State.
To utilize wastewater surveillance as a vital tool in tracking and addressing emerging diseases, enhancing community well-being through timely and actionable data, guiding targeted public health interventions, and promoting a culture of readiness in the face of evolving public health threats.
Mission
Wastewater Testing in New York.
Initiated in early March of 2020, New York's wastewater testing program for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been pivotal in monitoring and responding to the coronavirus pandemic. This innovative approach was adopted shortly after scientists in the Netherlands demonstrated the feasibility of tracking COVID-19 transmission through wastewater analysis.
In this collaborative effort, participating wastewater treatment plants across New York State provide regular wastewater samples. These community-representative samples are then analyzed by contracted laboratories to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The resulting data is shared with the public through our dashboard and with local authorities, assisting them in their response efforts and guiding public health strategies.
The NYS Wastewater Surveillance Network has proven integral to the State's most pressing public health responses, advancing COVID-19 monitoring and, more recently, detecting poliovirus in certain counties. With new investment, the Network continues to expand and increase its disease surveillance capabilities, furthering the State's preparedness for both ongoing and potential public health threats.
NYS Pilot Project.
In August 2020, the New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation partnered with the engineering firm Arcadis, Syracuse University, and SUNY ESF to launch a pilot program to assess the feasibility of using wastewater surveillance to monitor COVID-19. Over a period of six weeks, wastewater testing was conducted in four key counties—Erie, Onondaga, Albany, and Orange.
The data collected during this pilot program provided invaluable insights and informed the development of the State's comprehensive wastewater surveillance strategy for tracking COVID-19.
Current Testing.
New York State is currently testing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 at municipal treatment plants across the State. Wastewater testing occurs at least once weekly, with some sites testing twice weekly.
Following testing, nucleic acid extractions from SARS-CoV-2 positive samples are distributed to a genetic sequencing laboratory consortium for whole genome sequencing.
Additionally, polio testing and pilot studies of additional pathogens are being conducted at selected sites to enhance the preparedness capabilities for continuous and emerging public health threats.