NACWA submitted comments to EPA on October 9, asking the Agency to modify its proposed label language for dichlobenil, a root control chemical. Dichlobenil can be effectively used to control roots in wastewater collection systems, helping to prevent overflows and backups. However, if too much of the chemical is used in too short of a time, it has the potential to both interfere with the microorganisms used in the wastewater treatment process and negatively affect effluent quality. The chemical may also be a safety hazard for collection system workers.

NACWA and other clean water agencies conducted a conference call on October 11 to discuss implantation of the final rule for public notification of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Great Lakes, which EPA developed as required by Congress.

NACWA participated in a meeting - co-hosted by EPA’s Office of Water on October 9 - with the Water Environment Federation, the WateReuse Association, and the American Membrane Technology Association on “Membrane Water Treatment Technology Usage and Needs” in the United States.

The 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) package, officially titled America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), was passed by the Senate 99-1 on October 10th after passing unanimously in the House in September. The legislation now awaits President Trump’s signature, expected in the coming days, and contains a number of NACWA’s key advocacy priorities. This Advocacy Alert provides a summary and analysis of key elements of the bill that are most relevant for NACWA members.

This month’s Member Spotlight shines on the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), which created the nation’s first wastewater sector apprenticeship program in 1979 to support continued workforce excellence. Today the program is touted as a progressive initiative, fostering workforce development and furthering the growth of the clean water sector. And while HRSD is known for its innovation and leadership, HRSD Commissioners and senior management credit its apprentices and support teams for its success, frequently referring to the program as “HRSD’s Secret Sauce.” Here’s why…

The Senate is expected to vote as early as today on the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), S.3021, advancing the bill to the President’s desk for signature. The House passed the bill with an overwhelming bipartisan vote last month, and the measure is expected to easily clear the Senate with similar bipartisan support.

The US Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Water Quality Program last week added water quality data from 2017 to its web tool, Tracking Water Quality of the Nation’s Rivers and Streams. The interactive web tool is part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project that collects data in order to characterize status and trends of surface water quality.

Ever wonder what’s taking place across the water sector, but don’t have time to sift through endless news stories? Then take a look at the Water Sector News & Trends section of the NACWA website to stay current on the latest happenings in water news.

NACWA’s Clean Water Advocate magazine is an invaluable tool for providing important perspectives on the Water Sector’s most pressing issues, as well as helping to keep Member Agencies connected and generally telling the clean water utility story. In keeping with this mission, Advocate editors are making an open call to NACWA membership to submit original articles to be published in future issues of the magazine—beginning with its next release in February 2019 (Winter Issue).