Included in the September 11, 2025, biweekly update

This week’s articles by MSU faculty, specialists, and students making a difference feature wastewater tracking of underreported illness in Detroit and household surveys revealing water insecurity across the U.S.

Wastewater Surveillance of Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, and Norovirus Reveals Potential Underreporting of Disease Cases in the Tri-county Detroit Area, Michigan

Guzman et al. (2025) studied whether wastewater testing can uncover more cases of food and waterborne illness than traditional health reporting. They focused on three pathogens: Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, and norovirus, that commonly cause gastrointestinal illness in the Tri-county Detroit area. These illnesses are often underreported because many people do not seek medical attention and do not get tested.

The researchers collected and analyzed sewage samples for genetic markers of the pathogens, then compared those measurements to cases reported to public health agencies. Their analysis showed that wastewater consistently detected higher levels of Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, and norovirus than case reports suggested. 

This study demonstrates how wastewater surveillance can close important gaps in disease tracking. By capturing both reported and unreported infections, it provides a more complete picture of community health, can alert officials earlier to potential outbreaks, and helps guide resources toward prevention and response.

Guzman, H. P., Zhao, L., & Xagoraraki, I. (2025). “Wastewater Surveillance of Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, and Norovirus Reveals Potential Underreporting of Disease Cases in the Tri-county Detroit Area, Michigan.” ACS ES&T Water, 5, 3183–3194. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00506

Corresponding author: Irene Xagoraraki, xagorara@msu.edu.

Beyond peak water security: Household-scale experiential metrics can offer new perspectives on contemporary water challenges in the United States

Jepson et al. (2025) argue that the United States is moving beyond an era of reliable water security. Aging infrastructure, slow-to-change institutions, and climate stress are leaving more families vulnerable to outages, boil advisories, and unaffordable water bills.

Traditional ways of measuring water security do not capture these household realities. Most assessments focus on system level performance or compliance with regulations, which does not reflect affordability or public trust.

To address this gap, the researchers propose using household-scale experiential metrics. These are survey tools that ask residents directly about service interruptions, water quality concerns, and the affordability of their water. By focusing on lived experience, Jepson et al. capture local differences that system level reports often miss. For example, one neighborhood might deal with repeated shutoffs while another struggles with high water rates, even though both are served by the same utility.

When combined with traditional performance data, these household perspectives can guide more targeted and equitable decisions for policymakers. The researchers conclude that this approach can help U.S. water systems respond more effectively to climate change, social inequities, and future disruptions.

Jepson, W., Wutich, A., Pearson, A. L., Beresford, M., Brewis, A., Cooperman, A., Osborne Gowey, J., Rempel, J., Rosinger, A. Y., & Stoler, J. (2025). “Beyond peak water security: Household scale experiential metrics can offer new perspectives on contemporary water challenges in the United States.” PLOS Water, 4(8), e0000413. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000413

Corresponding author: Justin Stoler, stoler@miami.edu.