Wastewater Monitoring Results

Since June 2020 Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) have partnered with researchers from the University of Louisville's Envirome Institute to learn how sewage may indicate community health risk. We have collected thousands of samples from sewers from across Louisville looking for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We also contribute to the CDC's COVID Data Tracker.

Wastewater Levels, Hospital Admissions, and Occupied ICU Beds (09/15/2023)

In the chart below, we show overall SARS levels across Louisville and compare wastewater levels to new hospital admissions for people with COVID-19. For this report, wastewater was collected on 09/12/2023 and the hospital metrics are based on CDC reporting for the week beginning 09/11/2023.  

SARS-CoV-2 levels remain elevated compared to the summer low, but comparable to concentrations from April 2023. CDC hospital metrics were updated on 09/23/23, COVID-19 patients represent 0% of occupied ICU beds and 6% of new admissions (59 individuals). Jefferson County is in the CDC’s low risk category for hospital admissions. 

Louisville Sewersheds

We sample from 5 water quality treatment plants weekly. The graph above shows the average SARS-CoV-2 virus concentration from all 5 treatment centers.  

Contact

For more information, send us an email at envirome@louisville.edu