Wastewater Surveillance Frequently Asked Questions

Our Wastewater Surveillance program collects samples from six strategic sites, covering approximately 85% of Marin County's population. These sites are Novato Sanitary District, Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, Central Marin Sanitation Agency, Canal - West Railroad (managed by Central Marin Sanitation Agency), Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin, Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District.

Marin County's commitment to cutting-edge surveillance is fortified by the support of Verily’s WastewaterSCAN program and the participation of our local sanitary agencies. Notably, our Canal - West Railroad site is also part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Wastewater Surveillance System.

Each collection area, serving a minimum population of 10,000 people, ensures anonymity in Marin's Wastewater Surveillance Program. Wastewater data cannot identify specific individuals or locations.

The CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), incorporating data from sites like Canal – West Railroad in Marin, offers a national perspective. Explore data on their official webpage.

California Department of Public Health's (CDPH’s) California Wastewater Surveillance Network (Cal-SuWers) includes participation from Marin County's Canal - West Railroad. For statewide data, visit their dedicated webpage.

In October 2020, Marin County initiated a wastewater testing pilot program with UC Berkeley, leading to future collaboration with Verily's WastewaterSCAN. Learn about our journey here.

A pilot for overdose prevention, funded until January 2024, explores wastewater data beyond infectious diseases by measuring levels of high risk substances. Stay tuned for insights into this innovative program's findings in early 2024.