Sampling and testing waste streams for COVID-19 has become a valuable tool, allowing businesses to monitor for the virus presence. COVID-19 can be detected in wastewater before individuals experience symptoms or receive positive test results. Testing wastewater for COVID-19 can complement other monitoring data to help guide decisions around adjusting social distancing protocols, altering testing recommendations, and/or modifying facility operations. Businesses and communities are increasingly using wastewater testing for early COVID-19 detection, allowing them to better implement safety measures.
As Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Wyoming prepared to welcome students back to campus for the Fall 2020 semester, the ability to make informed decisions surrounding the virus became paramount. Trihydro was contracted to perform weekly wastewater sampling at four locations, providing LCCC with increased data insights and awareness regarding the virus. The surveillance program involves sampling wastewater from four manholes located throughout LCCC’s Cheyenne Campus. Trihydro collects composite samples using programmed autosamplers installed within each manhole. Once samples are collected, Trihydro provides analysis and interpretation of the sampling results, and manages data through its proprietary project management tool. Additionally, Trihydro reviews data, evaluates trends, automates alerts, and generates reports through the use of its mobile field data collection application, FieldVision.
The COVID-19 wastewater sampling program was developed based on industry research; coordination with the Wyoming Department of Public Health (WDPH) to understand sampling procedures and trend evaluations; and LCCC-specific program goals. LCCC has been able to use the data from the wastewater sampling program to reduce uncertainty and make informed, data-driven decisions to help protect students and the broader community.