On July 21^st, bipartisan legislation led by Reps. Lowenthal (D-CA) and McClain (R-MI) was introduced to help address the problem of non-flushable wipes in sewer systems. The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (WIPPES) would direct the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with U.S. EPA, to issue regulations requiring wipes manufacturers to include Do Not Flush labeling on non-flushable wet wipes packaging.

NACWA has been working with the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) on the bill, which closely follows California state legislation, and both associations strongly support the bill. As part of its support, NACWA noted that non-flushable wipes do not break down as they travel through the sewer system, resulting in clogs and blockages that cost public utilities money, put workers at risk, and cause environmental harm.

NACWA looks forward to working with Congress to advance this important legislation. Contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA Regulatory Director, to discuss wipes further.