The Sconi

The Department of Health Services (DHS) today joined partners from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene to honor Wisconsin wastewater professionals. The event coincides with Governor Evers proclaiming May 22, 2024, as Wastewater Professionals Appreciation Day, recognizing these professionals for their role in protecting and promoting the health, safety, and overall well-being of Wisconsinites.

"Since 2020, wastewater professionals across Wisconsin have been partnering with public health to provide valuable information that allows us to track and respond to public health threats and diseases in our communities in a timely manner," said DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases Director Traci DeSalvo. "We are deeply appreciative of wastewater professionals and facilities across the state and the work they do to benefit Wisconsin public health."

Sampling and testing wastewater became a critical surveillance tool throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains one of the best methods for monitoring COVID-19 activity in Wisconsin. Wastewater sampling can detect viruses before people experience symptoms or if they are infected but asymptomatic. DHS shares this information via an interactive data dashboard, enabling public health officials to act quickly to prevent further disease spread.

In addition to tracking COVID-19, wastewater testing has expanded to provide invaluable information on flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus spread in communities. More than half of Wisconsin residents are represented in participating sewersheds.

"Wastewater monitoring has been shown to be an accurate, reliable, and cost-effective program," said DeSalvo. "Wastewater professionals have helped unlock this vital public health tool to protect and promote the health of Wisconsinites."

The Wisconsin Wastewater Surveillance Program is a partnership between DHS, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. Last year, Wisconsin was named a CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) Center of Excellence, joining just three other national centers across the country.

For more information about Wisconsin's Center of Excellence status visit both DHS website and University of Wisconsin-Madison website.

Media inquiries can be directed to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.