Educational Resources

The Colorado NWSS CoE is committed to advancing expertise in wastewater surveillance systems. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive training programs that strengthen knowledge and practical skills in this critical field.

Below, you'll find training materials produced by our team as well as select resources from other organizations.

Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know—we’d love to hear from you.

Featured Video

Right Sizing Webinar Recording

On January 14, 2026, we hosted a webinar focused on right-sizing wastewater surveillance (WWS) programs. This recording captures that session in full.

Getting your wastewater surveillance (WWS) program to the “right size” can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, we walk through how Colorado has approached right-sizing its WWS network and how the team continues refining it to reduce waste and maximize impact. Viewers will learn practical strategies for:

Identifying program goals
Determining the necessary data sources for site selection
Maintaining a network that is sustainable and appropriately scaled
Responding effectively to emerging public health threats
Navigating additional considerations that influence network design

The recording also includes a panel Q&A featuring WWS experts from Colorado, California, Wisconsin and Michigan, who share lessons learned and answer questions about building and maintaining a sustainable and responsive wastewater surveillance system.

The session concludes with a presentation on how Colorado is taking its right-sizing approach to the next level by incorporating additional layers of data — such as mobility and tourism data — to ensure maximum interpretability from sampling sites.

Prior to the live webinar, registrants received a workbook approximately four weeks in advance and were encouraged to spend about an hour completing the activities with their teams. The workbook was designed to help programs reflect on their goals and challenges and come prepared to engage in discussion.

Watch this recording to gain actionable insights, learn from peers, and take the next step toward a leaner, smarter, and more effective WWS program.

Featured Educational Resource

Right Sizing Your WWS Program

Following the CDC’s June 2024 guidance on “right-sizing” wastewater surveillance programs, the Colorado NWSS CoE developed this training program to help you assess your current WWS system and plan for a right-sized approach.

The training program includes:

Pre-Course Workbook

Before taking the on demand course, gather your WWS team to review and complete the activities in this workbook. We recommend setting aside about two hours to work through the exercises, which are designed to spark discussion and guide your right-sizing planning process. You may complete the full two hours at once or break the activities into smaller segments using the timeline outlined below.

The workbook is available as a fillable PDF that can be completed digitally or printed. Activities 3 and 4 are also offered as a Mural template for a more interactive, team-based experience. Mural is an online visual collaboration platform with a free plan available.

Download the Workbook (.pdf) Access the Mural Interactive Exercises Mural Instructions

Recorded Webinar

Watch the Webinar

Photo of a woman working on a laptop computer in a classroom

On-Demand Learning

Our team of wastewater surveillance experts has developed a range of training resources available anytime, on demand. These include instructional videos, sample documents, and webinar recordings tailored for the wastewater surveillance community.

Topics include:

Popular – Data Analysis and Dashboard Development webinar series
New – Ethical Considerations for Wastewater Surveillance Systems training course
Content designed for professionals who are new to wastewater surveillance

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Wastewater Surveillance Library

Our Wastewater Surveillance Library is a curated collection of peer-reviewed articles covering key topics in the field—from emerging pathogens and new methods to ethical considerations and program implementation. Whether you're new to the field or looking to expand your knowledge, the library offers valuable insights from experts across the wastewater surveillance community.