Community response team to assess health risks from sewer overflows and flooding

Water Emergency Team (WET): Community-Driven Rapid Response Team to Evaluate Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Exposures and Household Environmental Health Risks from Sewer Overflows and Basement Flooding

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10686675

This study is looking at how sewer overflows and basement flooding can lead to infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially in Black and African American communities that are more affected, and it aims to find ways to reduce these health risks together with the community.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10686675 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the health risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may arise from sewer overflows and basement flooding, particularly in vulnerable communities. It aims to evaluate how these environmental exposures contribute to infections, especially among Black and African American populations who are disproportionately affected. The approach includes community-driven assessments and interventions to identify and mitigate risks, thereby promoting better health outcomes. By focusing on environmental health, the research seeks to address a critical public health issue exacerbated by climate change and aging infrastructure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are individuals living in areas prone to sewer overflows and flooding, particularly within low-income and minority populations.

Not a fit: Patients who do not live in flood-prone areas or those not exposed to sewer overflow situations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that reduce the incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections in affected communities.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on sewer overflows and antibiotic-resistant bacteria is novel, related research has shown that environmental factors significantly impact public health outcomes.

Where this research is happening

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infectionsbacteria infectionbacterial diseaseDiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.