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Volume 32, Supplement –Summer 2026
SUPPLEMENT ISSUE
Supplement
Exploration of Public Perceptions of Wastewater Surveillance, United States, June 2024
Jazmyn T. Moore
, Krysten Rose-McCully, Diana Valencia, Hannah Turner, Kathleen Tatti, Manpreet Kaur, Mariatou Ceesay, and Scott Santibanez
, Krysten Rose-McCully, Diana Valencia, Hannah Turner, Kathleen Tatti, Manpreet Kaur, Mariatou Ceesay, and Scott Santibanez
Table
Key themes from write-in responses describing perceptions and concerns around wastewater monitoring (n = 1,181). Porter Novelli Survey, U.S., June 2024
| Theme | Sample quotes | Subthemes |
|---|---|---|
| Trust in government and authorities |
“I trust the local health department to handle this. They’ve always been transparent and seem to genuinely care about our community’s well-being.” | • Past success during COVID-19 boosted trust in implementation • Concerns about nonhealth use of data • Negative experiences shaped federal government distrust • Fear that monitoring could stigmatize specific communities • Privacy was a key issue, with fears of being monitored |
| “It sounds like something that could be helpful, but only if it’s done with complete honesty. Otherwise, I worry it’s just another way to monitor communities without telling us the full story.” |
||
| Effectiveness and accuracy of monitoring |
“There’s a lot of potential in this kind of monitoring, but I’d want to be sure the testing is consistent, and the results aren’t being manipulated or misunderstood. Public trust depends on transparency and good science.” | • Allows for real-time or near real-time surveillance • Seen as helpful in tracking patterns over time • Doubts about data accuracy and potential for skewed results • Concerns about misinterpretation or false alarms • Desire for more transparency on data handling and use |
| “My main concern is wondering if the data is accurate or not and is quite possibly skewed by outside sources.” |
||
| Public health implications |
“As long as it’s used for the right reasons—like tracking disease and helping the community—then I fully support it. It’s a smart way to stay ahead of public health threats.” | • Seen as useful for early disease detection • Strong support when focused on public health • Belief that data can help prevent outbreaks • Concerned with protecting family and community • More support when purpose is clearly communicated |
| “If the goal is public safety and there are clear explanations about what is being done and why, then I think it’s a great way to use science to protect the population.” |
||
| Education and communication | “Education is key—if you don’t tell people what’s happening in their own communities and how it affects them, they’ll feel left out or even threatened. Communication builds trust.” | • Desire for simple explanations of purpose and process • Trust relied on ongoing, honest communication • Many were unfamiliar with wastewater monitoring • Support linked to clear, transparent messaging • Openness increased with basic information |
| “This is my first time hearing about it. But it sounds like a good idea—if it’s explained well and backed up with science. People just need to understand what’s going on and why.” |
Page created: July 16, 2026
Page updated: August 05, 2026
Page reviewed: August 05, 2026
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.