Wastewater Drug Indicator Evaluation on the United States Southern Border

Wastewater Based Epidemiology involves analyzing the chemical and biological components present in wastewater to gather information about the health and behavior of a population. Localities have used it to monitor drug consumption patterns in their communities and understand local drug usage trends. It holds promise for monitoring the emergence and geographic distribution of novel substances often referred to as emerging threats. In FY2023, the United States Government funded pilot WBE drug projects that collected wastewater samples in over 70 United States communities representing tens of millions of Americans. The samples were analyzed for parent drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, and metabolites. Researchers shared results with participating sampled communities, local and state partners, and to a limited extent, the government sponsors.