Grand Junction recognizes Persego Environmental Laboratory for multi-year wastewater surveillance

The Grand Junction City Council on Wednesday proclaimed Dec. 17, 2025, as a day of recognition for the Persego Environmental Laboratory staff, thanking the team for their role in the city’s wastewater surveillance program.

The proclamation, read during the council’s opening, credited the laboratory with 192 weeks of surveillance and a program that city materials said included testing for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, RSV, enterovirus, mpox, West Nile virus and measles. Utilities Director Randy Kim accepted the proclamation on behalf of the lab, saying the effort ‘‘is a very strong program and really has helped with public health, surveillance monitoring.’’

City materials presented to council also noted the laboratory processed more than 28,000 samples for treatment and environmental monitoring in addition to the surveillance testing, and that the facility has contributed data to statewide efforts recognized by the governor’s office.

Why it matters: wastewater surveillance can provide early warning on emerging pathogens and community health trends, and local officials said the Persego laboratory has strengthened partnerships with local, state and federal agencies and improved the city’s preparedness.

The proclamation did not establish new policy or funding. City leaders limited the item to recognition of staff work and asked that the record reflect their appreciation and continued coordination with state public-health programs.

The council moved on to public comments and other agenda items after the brief presentation.