The COVID-19 pandemic, with its initial toilet paper shortages and focus on disinfection, caused significant new problems with “wipes in the pipes” for many clean water utilities. Media stories provided extensive coverage of the issue, increasing awareness and accelerating the search for solutions. Meanwhile, the early days of the pandemic saw Washington became the first state to pass a bill to regulate the labeling of wipes, and additional states are moving in that direction. Lawsuits against wipes manufacturers also continue, along with public education efforts.
This webinar will look at the current state of legislation, regulation, and litigation around wipes and other non-flushable products, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened attention to the issue and utility responses. Webinar speakers will provide updates on all of these aspects of the “war on wipes,” challenges facing utilities, and how NACWA and its members have worked with other organizations through the Association’s Toilets Are Not Trashcans campaign to provide solutions.