The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation recently issued its formal report on S. 1092, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act, underscoring a bipartisan commitment to tackling the widespread challenges non-flushable wipes pose to the nation’s wastewater systems. 

The committee’s report highlights the bill’s goal of establishing uniform national “Do Not Flush” labeling standards for non-flushable wipes. The committee found that inconsistent labeling practices have caused confusion among consumers and contributed to significant operational and maintenance costs for utilities. 

Directly referencing NACWA’s Cost of Wipes on America’s Clean Water Utilities Report, the Committee noted that wipes contribute $441 million per year in additional operating costs to clean water utilities. Importantly, the Committee concluded that compliance costs for wipes manufacturers to meet the new standards are “expected to be minimal. It is believed that such expenses will be outweighed by decreased operational costs for wastewater systems.” 

NACWA applauds the Committee’s thorough work and the bill’s continued momentum in the Senate. NACWA will continue engaging Senate and House offices as the WIPPES Act moves toward final passage. Members with questions may contact Danielle Cloutier, NACWA’s Director of Legislative Affairs, with questions or to discuss further.