Clean Water Current

NACWA recently joined the Responsible Flushing Alliance as an advisory member to help promote consumer education about what can and cannot be safely flushed.  The Alliance consists of wipes manufacturers and other interested stakeholders, including the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) and the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC).

The Responsible Flushing Alliance is conducting the #FlushSmart consumer education campaign in California that is required by the new California wipes law.  The campaign focuses on not flushing baby wipes and other non-flushable wipes, as well as other products that can cause or contribute to clogs and other problems in sewer systems, such as dental floss, cotton swabs, and paper towels.  The #FlushSmart website provides graphics and teaching materials that utilities may use in their own education campaigns. 

The annual meeting of the Responsible Flushing Alliance will be held on January 25, 1:30-3:00 pm Eastern.  Utilities are invited to attend the meeting to learn more about the California consumer education campaign.  Registrations for the free event and the full agenda are available here.

NACWA will continue working with other partners to promote clear “Do Not Flush” labeling on non-flushable wipes and public education on responsible flushing habits.  The federal Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (WIPPES) was introduced in July and would require conspicuous “Do Not Flush” logos on non-flushable wipes.  Another bill that would set flushability standards for wipes labeled “flushable” is also expected to be introduced soon. 

Please contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, with any questions related to wipes.