The SEWER Act would expand the United States’ national wastewater surveillance efforts by codifying and broadening the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS). Under the bill, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC Director, would expand, intensify, and coordinate wastewater-based detection and monitoring of infectious diseases (including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and RSV) in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies. The act also authorizes significant funding to support these activities—$150 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with funds available until expended—and authorizes grant, contract, or cooperative agreement awards to eligible entities to establish or improve wastewater surveillance capabilities for public health emergency preparedness and response. A rule of construction clarifies that participation by wastewater utilities or service providers is voluntary and not compelled by the federal government.
Key Points
- 1National Wastewater Surveillance System expansion: The Secretary, via the CDC Director, will expand, intensify, and coordinate NWSS activities with federal, state, and local partners to monitor pathogens in wastewater.
- 2Pathogens covered: The surveillance target includes SARS-CoV-2, influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), among others.
- 3Funding authorization: $150,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year 2026–2030 to support these activities, with funds remaining available until expended.
- 4Grants and awards: The Secretary must award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to establish, maintain, or improve wastewater surveillance activities for public health preparedness and response.
- 5Voluntary participation: The bill explicitly states that nothing in the act requires a wastewater utility or service provider to comply with a request for wastewater surveillance.