The detection of poliovirus in wastewater proves this, as hospitals often detect it too late.
This is a public health risk, an environmental problem, and a test of national readiness.
In the coming years, wastewater management will matter for what is removed and detected. Sewage now provides early health information. For 2026 and 2027, countries using environmental surveillance, genomic data, and policy will be ready. Others may react only after issues appear.
It is important to prioritize wastewater surveillance and policy to protect public health for the future.