Wake County COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Project

Following the success of past COVID-19 wastewater research, Cary is now working with the Wake County Human Services/Public Health Department to sample and track wastewater data for COVID-19. Wake County is administering and funding the analysis and assessment of influent wastewater samples collected twice a week at Cary’s North Cary, South Cary, and Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facilities.

Wake County is working in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) NC Wastewater Monitoring Network and the CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System for monitoring COVID-19 spread in communities. Data is published weekly to the NC Wastewater Monitoring Network and shared with the National Wastewater Surveillance System. In addition to working with Cary, Wake County is working with other public and private utilities on this initiative.

Wake County coordinates data management, sampling, and record keeping for actionable and high-quality data for public health action. Wake County will assess wastewater data against other available health indicators to work with the CDC, NCDHHS, Cary and other communities to improve and better manage the pandemic. The project is expected to occur to at least August 2022.

About Cary's Wastewater Treatment Process

The Town has three wastewater (sewage) plants that collect, clean, and make wastewater safe before it is discharged into area waterways.

Cary’s cleaned wastewater exceeds all state and federal permit and water quality standards before being discharged into our waterways.

Cary’s wastewater treatment utilizes a multi-step treatment process that includes final ultraviolet light disinfection that is effective for treating pathogens and viruses.