As you review the following FAQ, please keep in mind that we will continue to update the answers below with the most current information from the CDC as it becomes available.
Once enrolled, when will my first kits arrive?
We will be shipping sampling kits as communities are onboarded. If accepted into the program, your kits should be on their way within 48 hours. Your first order will contain 8 kits, and then recurring shipments of 8 kits will be sent to you each month until the program ends.
How often do I need to sample?
Participating in the NWSS program requires submitting two kits, collected on separate days, to Biobot each week. Samples consist of three, 50mL conical tubes filled with influent wastewater. Your assigned sampling schedule (i.e. Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays) is indicated on the kit order receipts sent to your organization’s primary contact with each order. Please let us know if we must change your sampling schedule by sending an email to support@biobot.io.
What kind of samples are accepted?
24-hour composite samples are preferred, however, we are able to accept grab samples on a case-by-case basis in extenuating circumstances. If you have any questions about sampling methods, please contact our team by emailing support@biobot.io.
Please note, we can only accept influent wastewater at this time.
If your location does not have a composite autosampler, you may complete an online application through the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to determine if you are eligible to receive a free autosampler. The application can be found here.
How do I collect samples and ship them back to you?
To learn more about the process of collecting and shipping samples, please reference the digital version of our kit instructions here. There is also a video walkthrough of how to package our kits here.