Clean Water Current

(May 7, 2019) - NACWA hosted its quarterly conference call with its State and Regional Exchange Network on Tuesday, April 30.  The call featured representatives from numerous state and regional clean water organizations discussing the status of wipes legislation being proposed in California, as well as a wide range of other clean water issues which are playing out on the state level. These issues could have national implications and can benefit from grassroots support.

The California Association of Sanitation Agencies’ (CASA’s) Jessica Gauger, Director of Legislative Advocacy, kicked off the call with a detailed update on California State Assembly Bill 1672 (AB 1672, Bloom).  This bill would improve labeling standards for flushable and non-flushable wipes by ensuring that manufacturers adhere to the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) flushability specification, with penalties beginning at $2500 per violation.

Ms. Gauger also shared information on CASA’s comprehensive communication campaign—Wipes Clog Pipes—which is being utilized by its members. Information on both the bill and communication resources are available on the CASA website. Should the bill pass, this legislation will set a positive precedent for other states across the country.

Following CASA’s presentation, NACWA provided updates, and requested participation and collaboration, on issues such as the Groundwater Conduit Theory Litigation, PFAS, and Integrated Planning Legislation implementation.

During the PFAS discussion, state partners in Maine and Georgia discussed pending state legislation on this issue and their work coordinating at the state and national level. Additionally, NACWA’s Legislative Team provided a high-level national update encouraging state and regional clean water groups to mobilize their utility members to reach out to their federal congressional representatives regarding clean water funding programs.

NACWA’s state and regional partners play a significant role in the Association’s advocacy efforts—creating opportunities to speak as one voice on behalf of the public clean water sector. Communications like the bi-monthly Clean Water Exchange and quarterly conference calls foster collaboration on issues that are playing out nationally but may have a significant effect locally.

If you are involved with a state or regional clean water organization that would be interested in joining NACWA’s Exchange Network, please contact Kelly Brocato, NACWA Senior Director of Membership.