Human fecal contamination of surface waters and drains is difficult to diagnose. DNA‐based and chemical analyses of water samples can be used to specifically quantify human waste contamination, but their expense precludes routine use. We evaluated canine scent tracking, using two dogs trained to respond to the scent of municipal wastewater, as a field approach for surveying human fecal contamination. Fecal indicator bacteria, as well as DNA‐based and chemical markers of human waste, were analyzed in waters sampled from canine scent‐evaluated sites (urban storm drains and creeks). In the field, the dogs responded positively (70% and 100%) at sites for which sampled waters were then confirmed as contaminated with human waste. When both dogs indicated a negative response, human waste markers were absent. Overall, canine scent tracking appears useful for prioritizing sampling sites for which DNA‐based and similarly expensive assays can confirm and quantify human waste contamination.

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For several years, public complaints regarding odours generated by East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD's) wastewater treatment plant and sewage collection system (SCS) have been increasing. In response, an Odor Control Master Plan was completed to develop near- and long-term odour abatement strategies for their wastewater system. The plan's strategies include using an advisory committee to assist in setting odour threshold levels, prioritizingodour sources, issuing an odour-status newsletter, and reviewing odour control options. The objective is to provide an odour-free community environment at least 99 percent of the year. This paper provides innovative approaches to estimate odour emissions and identify viable odour control options for SCSs through complete wastewater treatment. This paper also presents a CH2M HILL SCS odour model comparison to a comprehensive EBMUD sewage system corrosion study, illustrating that areas having high predicted odours also have high corrosion rates.

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