Tempe Wastewater COVID-19 Genome Copies Weekly Averages

Weekly average COVID-19 genome copies per liter of wastewater from Tempe, Arizona, collected 2-7 days per week. Scientists from Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute analyze samples from specific collection areas. The data illustrate trends in viral signal, not the number of infected individuals.

Use Cases

• Analyze trends in weekly average genome copies per liter across different wastewater collection areas.
• Map the spatial distribution of viral signal using collection area polygons and associated testing data.
• Study the temporal signal variation in Tempe's sewage, noting the 5,000 copies per liter quantifiable threshold.

Strengths

• Data is sourced from a scientific study conducted by Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute.
• Includes spatial data via collection area polygons for geographic analysis.
• Explicitly documents methodological details, such as the 5,000 copies per liter quantifiable level.

Limitations

• The relationship between genome copy values and the number of COVID-19 positive individuals is not determined.
• Shedding rates and duration for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals are unknown.
• For some periods, wastewater from Tempe co-mingles with regional sewage, affecting sample composition.

Provenance

Source

City of Tempe, with analysis provided by Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute.

Collection Method

Wastewater samples collected downstream of communities and analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 genetic material.

Time Range

Includes data from at least April 2020 onward.

Freshness

Updated as testing results become available; last updated March 2026.

Geography

Tempe, Arizona, segmented into wastewater collection areas.