ScienceJune 22, 2026

Reading: Wastewater Testing and Community Drug Monitoring

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

sewage/ˈsuː.ɪdʒ/

waste water from homes and buildings

"Workers collect a sewage sample at the treatment plant."

mass spectrometer/mæs spɛkˈtrɒmɪtər/

a lab machine that finds tiny chemicals by mass

"Scientists used a mass spectrometer to detect drug traces."

privacy/ˈprɪvəsi/

the right to keep personal information private

"Some people worry about privacy when tests are done."

Listening

Reading: Wastewater Testing and Community Drug Monitoring

In May 2026 the White House (the U.S. President’s office) said it will start testing sewage for illegal drugs across the country. Wastewater testing means scientists take samples from sewers or water treatment plants and look for drug chemicals in the water. Public health teams use this method to watch trends over time.

Labs use machines called mass spectrometers to find tiny drug traces from urine and other waste. Cities and some studies have tested wastewater near schools, universities, and in city systems to learn about drug use patterns. Some people worry this testing can harm privacy and can stigmatize neighborhoods.

101 words

Quiz

1. When did the White House say it will start testing sewage?

2. What machines do labs use to find tiny drug traces?

3. Where do scientists take samples from?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you think tests in sewers could affect your neighbourhood? Why or why not?

Have you ever heard about testing water or waste in your city? What happened?

What makes you worry most when you hear about data that comes from public places?