Wastewater surveillance.

Senator Hurtado's wastewater surveillance legislation codifies California's existing COVID-19 monitoring system into a permanent public health tool for detecting disease outbreaks. The bill directs the State Department of Public Health to maintain the California Surveillance of Wastewaters (Cal-SuWers) network, which analyzes wastewater samples for pathogens, toxins, and other health indicators.

The department would coordinate sample collection and laboratory testing through voluntary partnerships with local health departments and wastewater treatment facilities. A public website would display real-time data visualization of surveillance results and regional trends, along with educational resources explaining the program's public health applications. The department could share findings with healthcare providers and emergency response agencies to inform outbreak responses and epidemiological investigations.

To support these activities, the legislation permits the department to supplement its existing funding by accepting private donations, grants, and other external sources. The bill's findings note that while wastewater monitoring proved valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, coverage remains inconsistent across California, with gaps in rural and underserved areas including tribal lands and regions relying on septic systems.