SF Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/h5n1-avian-flu-sa...
LA Times: https://archive.is/VSjBB
That said, in cities that have combined storm and sewer system, the latter is a lot more difficult.
But in general, it is a uniquely politically-palatable continuous monitoring solution.
The public doesn't want to think about what happens underneath a toilet or drain, so no one cares if someone is sampling and testing it.
There's very little rain in the summer months, the average for July rounds off to 0.0in. I don't remember if there was any significant rain in May or June, but I'd be surprised if it was more than 1-5% of the total. I guess there's lawn irrigation, though.
[1] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Cal...
[1] https://adminvc.ucla.edu/expanded-wastewater-testing-program....
They also lead the EU wide project to track infections across the largest cities across europe: https://en.ssi.dk/surveillance-and-preparedness/internationa...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-halts-covid-w...
Great link. Perhaps their decision makes sense given the cost. I had no idea that people were running around with fishing rods and tampons to do this. That is hilarious!
*kers.