Bridging Tradition and Innovation to Strengthen Public Confidence in Water Quality Monitoring

Creating Public Trust in Water Testing through Collaboration and Innovation
Oral Presentation

Prepared by P. Sarkar
City of San Jose, 1234 San Jose Way, San Jose, Calif, 95116, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 408-635-4067

ABSTRACT

Public trust in water quality data depends on transparency, data reliability, and the responsible adoption of new technologies. The San Jose Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility Laboratory(RWF) is advancing this trust through a collaborative, hybrid monitoring framework that integrates established water quality testing practices with innovative molecular tools to improve data quality, consistency, and confidence in environmental decision making.
To strengthen wastewater microbial filament identification for process control monitoring and reduce subjectivity in microscopic analysis, the RWF laboratory evaluated Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization(FISH) as a complementary tool for identifying filamentous bacteria such as Nocardia directly in mixed liquor samples. FISH enables targeted visualization of microbial populations associated with sludge bulking and foaming, supporting clearer organism identification while simplifying training and improving consistency across analysts. When used alongside traditional microscopy, FISH provides an additional layer of confidence in operational assessments.
In parallel, the laboratory is expanding harmful algal bloom monitoring in receiving waters using digital PCR to support nutrient monitoring programs in the lower South Bay. As a proof of concept, artificial intelligence (AI) assisted data analysis is being explored to support HAB monitoring by enhancing pattern recognition from molecular and observational datasets. Digital PCR enables sensitive, species specific detection and absolute quantification of HAB organisms using genetic markers, while the AI proof of concept focuses on improving data interpretation rather than replacing established analytical methods.
This presentation will discuss practical challenges encountered when implementing microscopy techniques involving fluorescence, molecular assays and AI based approaches in a municipal laboratory setting and integration with existing workflows. By combining traditional microscopy with innovative analytical tools and engaging partners across the environmental monitoring community, the RWF Laboratory attempts to demonstrates how we can bridge bridging traditional and non-traditional tools to strengthen confidence in water quality monitoring that can enhance data credibility and build public confidence in water testing programs.