Tempe Wastewater BioIntel Program 

To advance public health and to serve as a national model, the City of Tempe utilizes sewage data derived from wastewater-based epidemiology to inform city decisions, strategic policy and operational decisions. Tempe contributes data to the National Wastewater Surveillance System, and in November 2021, Tempe was selected by NACCHO to serve as a mentor site to two NY counties.

In an innovative partnership to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City of Tempe is working with scientists from Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute to study the city's wastewater. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the science of studying community sewage for public health information. Tempe utilizes wastewater biomarkers to combat opioid overdoses and deaths as well as give early insights into rising COVID-19 case rates while continuing to expand the analysis of other health biomarkers.

Wastewater epidemiology has proven to be an emerging and innovative asset in promoting healthy communities at the local level.

Look at our wastewater dashboard.

COVID-19

In utilizing public health data, Tempe integrates data and sciences.  The COVID-19 Wastewater Results Dashboard shows trends in the level of COVID-19 biomarkers in wastewater over Tempe collection areas, which provide a metric to measure progress towards stopping the spread of the virus.

Preventing and Reducing Opioid Abuse

Opioid addiction is a national problem. Tempe is committed to reducing opioid addiction in our community through compassionate programs, scientific research, GIS data and more. 

Opioid Dashboards
Learn about how the Tempe Wastewater BioIntel Program tests wastewater for the presence of seven opioid-related analytes on this map-based webpage. This data, alongside other authoritative data, informs educational and service programs to make progress towards Tempe's goal to achieve an end to opioid misuse and abuse.

EMS Calls Dashboard
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue responds to medical calls that may be a result of opioid overdose. The City of Tempe uses this data and map to determine where prevention resources are best allocated and to help prepare for calls. The map can indicate when and where it is more likely that overdose calls might happen.

Learn more