Edwin Oh (Sciences, Medicine) and colleagues from UNLV, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health recently published a first-of-its-kind study using wastewater monitoring to track drug use patterns throughout the Las Vegas Valley. 

“Drug Usage Patterns in Wastewater Correlate with Socioeconomic and Demographic Indicators,” was published online Sept. 23 in JAMA Network Open. For the study, researchers collected more than 200 wastewater samples from six treatment plants in Southern Nevada from May 2022 to April 2023. The team’s analysis revealed unique patterns in drug use that varied by community over time, including changes in the use of personal care products and high-risk substances. 

Researchers intend to use this information to inform public health organizations about possible trends at the neighborhood level, which would enhance the delivery of targeted health and prevention resources throughout the region.