UNC Charlotte regularly tests the wastewater on campus for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The map and information below show virus levels, based on the sampling of multiple wastewater sites, known as neighborhoods, on campus.
The data on this site will be updated on Wednesdays and Fridays.
What the Levels Mean
Site Percentile Rank
For reporting virus levels in wastewater, we use a percentile rank scoring system similar to the one used by NCDHHS in their wastewater dashboard. For example, if a building is ranked in the 80th percentile or above (red), that means it's in the top 20% of measurements observed since fall semester 2021, when the University returned to normal dorm occupancy. The building color for buildings that are monitored individually is based on the most current reporting date.
Zone-level Percentile Rank
The zone score takes into account both the current and previous reports. The zone color is assigned according to the highest virus percentile rank seen at the majority of locations in the zone over two sampling days. So, if more than half of the measurements taken in a zone over the last two sampling days are above 80th percentile, then the zone would be colored red. If more than half were at 60th percentile or above, then the zone would be colored orange, and so forth.
What You Can Do
If you are concerned about the level of virus detection in an area of campus you frequent, you are encouraged to seek a COVID-19 test. Students can call the Student Health Center at 704-687-7400 for advice regarding testing and care. Employees should contact their healthcare provider.
If your building or zone is frequently marked red or orange, you might want to take precautions like wearing a mask indoors, avoiding indoor crowds when possible and getting a COVID booster vaccine. The new booster has been re-designed to give you better protection for the strains of the virus that are circulating right now.
ABOUT THE COVID-19 WASTEWATER TEAM
Wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 takes place in the laboratories of Drs. Cynthia Gibas and Jessica Schlueter in Bioinformatics and Genomics, and Dr. Mariya Munir in Civil and Environmental Engineering. GIS-based visualizations and analytics have been developed by the research group of Drs. Wenwu Tang and Eric Delmelle in Geography and Earth Sciences, and Dr. Srinivas Akella (Computer Science) and Drs. Jacelyn Rice-Boayue and Don Chen (Civil Engineering Technology).