Wastewater pathogen testing is a tool to monitor and trend infections in communities.  It is considered an earlier signal for increases or decreases in pathogen activity since infected individuals shed virus in their feces, even if they do not have any symptoms. There are several published studies that attest to the importance of wastewater testing. The ability to trend pathogen levels in wastewater provides valuable data that can support local public health department efforts to prevent the spread of pathogens within a community. 

The program is funded through CDC. Program participants collect samples weekly at their local wastewater treatment plant and then send samples to SHL for testing. Collection containers and shipping instructions are provided by SHL. Results are available to local public health and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.