INDIANAPOLIS (May 04, 2021) – 120Water was selected as a finalist in Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas for its efforts to assist public health experts in sampling, monitoring and tracking COVID-19 outbreaks in community wastewater during a crucial period in the pandemic.  

In its fifth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards honor businesses, policies, projects and concepts that pursue innovation in solving some of the world’s greatest crises. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners from a pool of over 4,000 entries from across the globe in a range of industries, including health, technology and more. 

“We have always looked to provide solutions that protect public health, and when COVID-19 struck, we were eager to support nationwide efforts in tracking the spread of the virus,” said Megan Glover, co-founder and chief executive officer of 120Water.

“Using our technology solutions, we were able to detect outbreaks of the virus and help public health professionals quickly locate hotspots. This award acknowledges the tireless work of our team and partners in a time when our offerings were most needed.” 

With a regular testing protocol, sewage surveillance data can serve as a leading indicator of changes in COVID-19 spread within a community. Because both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals shed viral contaminants through human waste, a wastewater surveillance program can capture accurate data independent of healthcare-seeking behaviors and access to clinical testing.

World Changing Ideas is one of Fast Company’s annual awards programs focused on social good, seeking to elevate products and concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to solve problems that affect us all.

“There is no question our society and planet are facing deeply troubling times. So, it’s important to recognize organizations that are using their ingenuity, impact, design, scalability, and passion to solve these problems,” says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “Our journalists, under the leadership of senior editor Morgan Clendaniel, have discovered some of the most groundbreaking projects that have launched since the start of 2020.” 

ABOUT 120WATER

Water professionals across the country rely on 120Water to automate their most complex drinking water and wastewater programs. 120Water combines sample and filter kits, modern software, and professional services to manage costs, enhance efficiency and streamline compliance requirements. 120Water solutions are used by water systems, municipalities and government agencies across the United States, including the city of Newark (NJ), Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Chicago Public Schools, and Indiana Finance Authority. More information is available at 120Water.com and on Twitter @120_Water.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.