The New England Regional Pretreatment Coordinators Association (NERPCA) held its annual workshop October 24-25, with over 150 attendees from public clean water utilities and state regulatory agencies. The workshop provides an opportunity for pretreatment professionals to learn about regulatory updates, hear case studies from other utilities, and network with one another. NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Cynthia Finley, provided an update on recent NACWA activities, particularly related to wipes and emerging contaminants.

New legislation has been introduced led by Sens. Cardin (D-MD), Wicker (R-MS), and Stabenow (D-MI) to establish a pilot federal assistance program for water ratepayers. S. 3564, the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2018, fleshes out a concept proposed by NACWA several years ago, suggesting that – similar to the energy sector’s Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – there may be a role for the federal government to offer assistance to communities and low-income ratepayers in paying water and sewer rates.

Despite Congress being adjourned until after the November mid-term elections, House and Senate conference committee negotiations continue among Congressional staff on the 2018 Farm Bill. Many in Congress remain hopeful that a final bill can be brought to a vote before the end of this Congressional Session in December.