To track the prevalence of COVID-19 and help predict a rise in cases within the community, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has been performing a wastewater-based epidemiological program by sampling influent wastewater at nine (9) sewage treatment plants (STP) in the county. Each week, multiple samples are collected from each STP listed below which are then analyzed to measure the amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the samples.

This program provides an early warning on the relative concentration of SARS-CoV-2 virus and aids in focusing on public notice, management interventions, government planning efforts, and medical planning efforts. Also, with the increase of at-home testing resulting in a decrease in reported cases, this program is vital in providing information on the presence of COVID-19 in the community.

Click here for graphic summary of current conditions.

For further information about the Wastewater Surveillance Program, please contact us at the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Office of Ecology, 360 Yaphank Avenue, Suite 2B, Yaphank, NY 11980, via e-mail: scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.