Wastewater collection areas are comprised of merged sewage drainage basins that flow to a shared testing location for the COVID-19 wastewater study. The collection area polygons are published with related wastewater testing data, which are provided by scientists from Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19. People infected with SARS-CoV-2 excrete the virus in their feces in a process known as “shedding”. The municipal wastewater treatment system (sewage system) collects and aggregates these bathroom contributions across communities. Tempe wastewater samples are collected downstream of a community and the samples are brought to the ASU lab to analyze for the virus. Analysis is based on the genetic material inside the virus. About the data:These data illustrate a trend of the signal of the weekly average of COVID-19 genome copies per liter of wastewater in Tempe's sewage. The dashboard and collection area map do not depict the number of individuals infected. Each collection area includes at least one sampling location, which collects wastewater from across the collection area. It does not reflect the specific location where the deposit occurs.While testing can successfully quantify the results, research has not yet determined the relationship between these genome values and the number of people who are positive for COVID-19 in the community.The quantity of RNA detected in sewage is real; the interpretation of that signal and its implication for public health is ongoing research. Currently, there is not a baseline for determining a strong or weak signal.The shedding rate and shedding duration for individuals, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, is still unknown.Data are shared as the testing results become available. As results may not be released at the same time, testing results for each area may not yet be seen for a given day or week. The dashboard presents the weekly averages. Data are collected from 2-7 days per week. The quantifiable level of 5,000 copies per liter is the lowest amount measurable with current testing. Results that are below the quantifiable level of 5,000 copies per liter do not suggest the absence of the virus in the collection area. It is possible to have results below the quantifiable level of 5,000 on one day/week and then have a greater signal on a subsequent day/week.For Collection Area 1, Tempe's wastewater co-mingles with wastewater from a regional sewage line. Tempe's sewage makes up the majority of Collection Area 1 samples. After the collection period of April 7-24, 2020, Collection Area 1 samples include only Tempe wastewater.For Collection Area 3, Tempe's wastewater co-mingles with wastewater from a regional sewage line. For analysis and reporting, Tempe’s wastewater is separated from regional sewage.

When city leaders in Tempe, Arizona took a more data-driven and transparent approach to management, the ethos spread across departments. As a wastewater testing partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) moved past the pilot stage, data showing levels of illegal drug use was made visible to the public to show the local impact of the opioid crisis. Now researchers have tuned this same wastewater testing system to detect bio markers in the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), displaying the level of COVID-19 genome copies per liter of wastewater in the city._Communities around the world are taking strides in mitigating the threat that COVID-19 (coronavirus) poses. Geography and location analysis have a crucial role in better understanding this evolving pandemic.When you need help quickly, Esri can provide data, software, configurable applications, and technical support for your emergency GIS operations. Use GIS to rapidly access and visualize mission-critical information. Get the information you need quickly, in a way that’s easy to understand, to make better decisions during a crisis.Esri’s Disaster Response Program (DRP) assists with disasters worldwide as part of our corporate citizenship. We support response and relief efforts with GIS technology and expertise.More information...

This story map explores the partnership between the City of Tempe and Arizona State University to study city wastewater for Coronavirus/COVID-19. Featured sections include:What is Coronavirus/COVID-19Analyzing Wastewater DataData-Driven Decision MakingWhat You Can DoFrequently Asked Questions Important ContactsPlease also see the Spanish language version.

This ArcGIS Online Hub site contains data and insights that Tempe is using to stop the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19. Tempe is in a unique position for an innovative response to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic due to the Wastewater Data Analytics - Opioids program supported by the Tempe City Council’s Innovation Fund in 2018 and the community trust cultivated by our compassion, science and services approach in using public health data.