San Diego, January 8, 2026
San Diego County’s Public Health Laboratory has initiated regular wastewater testing to monitor disease trends in the community. The results are now available through an online dashboard for both health officials and the public. This initiative, which originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, allows for real-time tracking of illnesses and is aimed at enhancing public health responses. The laboratory is committed to improving monitoring capabilities for additional diseases in the future.
San Diego County Enhances Public Health with Wastewater Testing
San Diego, CA – The San Diego County Public Health Laboratory has launched an important initiative to conduct routine in-house testing of local wastewater, aimed at monitoring disease trends in the community. The results are now accessible through an online public dashboard, allowing both the public and local health officials to stay informed about current health trends.
Implementation of Wastewater Testing
The initiative involves collecting samples from key wastewater treatment facilities, specifically the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant, the South Bay Water Reclamation Plant, and the Encina Wastewater Authority. This proactive strategy enables public health officials to track illness trends in real-time, thus equipping them with valuable insights into the health status of the community.
Background and Development
Wastewater testing gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the SEARCH (San Diego Epidemiology and Research for COVID Health) program, a collaborative effort between the county, Scripps Research, and UC San Diego. With the conclusion of federal funding for the SEARCH program in December 2025, the newly established San Diego County Public Health Laboratory, operational since May 2025, has taken over these critical wastewater testing operations.
Significance of Wastewater Surveillance
This method of wastewater surveillance offers a non-invasive and anonymous means to assess community health, including the early detection of illnesses in individuals who may not have yet shown symptoms. By analyzing wastewater samples, health officials can identify and effectively respond to emerging disease trends, significantly enhancing public health responsiveness.
Accessing the Data
The Wastewater Surveillance Dashboard serves as a crucial resource, providing up-to-date information on viral concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This resource not only aids public health responses but also empowers San Diego residents and the medical community to make informed decisions regarding health and safety.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, San Diego County intends to expand wastewater testing capabilities to include additional diseases, further strengthening its ability to monitor and proactively respond to public health concerns.
About the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory
The San Diego County Public Health Laboratory is committed to protecting public health through comprehensive testing and surveillance programs, including specimen collection, wastewater surveillance, and general health assessments.
Contact Information
For additional information, the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory can be contacted at:
Address: 5540 Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 325-6400
Email: [email protected]
Key Features of San Diego County’s Wastewater Testing Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| In-House Testing | The county’s Public Health Laboratory conducts routine wastewater testing to monitor disease trends. |
| Online Dashboard | Results are published on an online public dashboard, providing accessible data to the public and medical community. |
| Current Monitoring | The testing currently monitors SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). |
| Future Expansion | Plans are in place to expand testing to include additional diseases in the future. |
| Public Access | The Wastewater Surveillance Dashboard is available to the public for viewing current data and trends. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of San Diego County’s wastewater testing?
The wastewater testing aims to monitor disease trends in the community by analyzing samples from local wastewater treatment plants. This helps public health officials track illnesses in real-time and respond proactively.
How can the public access the wastewater testing data?
The data is available through the Wastewater Surveillance Dashboard, which provides up-to-date information on viral concentrations of various diseases.
What diseases are currently monitored through wastewater testing in San Diego County?
The current monitoring includes SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
How does wastewater surveillance benefit public health?
Wastewater surveillance provides a non-invasive and anonymous method to assess community health, allowing for early detection of illnesses, including those in individuals who may not yet exhibit symptoms.
Where is the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory located?
The laboratory is located at 5540 Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123.
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