About the Wastewater IoT Virus Barometer

This project aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific data and public awareness. We transform wastewater measurements into an intuitive, accessible early warning system for common viruses, helping communities make informed decisions.

The data is sourced from the official EU Wastewater Observatory for Public Health, a European project that monitors virus levels across the continent. For Belgium, these measurements are coordinated and provided by Sciensano.

About the Data and Methodology

The Wastewater Virus Barometer is an independent non-profit STEM project developed by Wim Verlinden, an IoT and programming teacher at CVO Focus. This project was not commissioned or developed by Sciensano.

The raw data used for this barometer originates from the public wastewater surveillance program of Sciensano. We would like to explicitly thank the Sciensano wastewater team for their constructive guidance. The methodology we developed for the visualization and interpretation of the data (the classification into circulation levels) has been reviewed with and verified by them.

Responsibility for Content

All further explanations, analyses, and educational articles on this website, including the 'Myths' section, are authored by the initiator only and fall under their full responsibility.

From Data to Your Screen

We make the virus data accessible everywhere, from public spaces to your web browser. The information can be displayed on a simple widget, integrated into existing hospital monitors, or shown on dedicated low-cost hardware.

Web & Integration

TFT Color Display

E-Paper Display

Technology with a Human Touch

This is STEM in action. We use accessible, open-source technology like the ESP32 microcontroller and various displays to make public health data tangible. It's an educational tool designed for collaboration, inviting schools and training centres to participate in building a healthier, more informed community.

The Future: An AI Health Assistant

We're looking ahead to integrate a friendly AI assistant that can explain virus risks in simple language and offer personalized prevention tips, giving a face to the data and making public health information more personal and engaging than ever before.