In 2019, the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County began construction on the Clearwater Project, consisting of a 7-mile, 18-foot diameter, almost entirely underground tunnel and outfall system that conveys clean water from its largest wastewater treatment facility to the ocean. The project will ensure the main sewer system's reliability and future capacity needs with serving over 5 million people in Los Angeles County.

NACWA utility members are sharing information on the Association’s Engage peer-to-peer platform regarding sewer service disconnections during the COVID-19 pandemic, flexible payment arrangements, and assistance programs.

NACWA held an initial call with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) lead COVID-19 watershed-based epidemiological (WBE) surveillance team on Friday, August 14.

On August 13th, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that his Chamber will adjourn until Labor Day, dashing final hopes for passage of another phase of federal COVID-19 relief before the fall.

As Members of Congress return to their home states and Congressional districts until after Labor Day for the August recess, Congressional staff have begun the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2020 conference negotiation process in hopes of hammering out a final bill for House and Senate passage this fall.

This past week, Congressional negotiations on the next phase of COVID-19 relief stalled without compromise. In response, with protections such as enhanced federal unemployment benefits and an eviction moratorium expiring, President Trump signed Executive Orders over the weekend aimed at providing temporary stability.

NACWA has remained active in its media outreach over the summer months, particularly on the topic of water utility shutoff moratoriums related to COVID-19 and NACWA’s repeated insistence that the federal government must provide financial relief to public utilities to help address pandemic concerns.

NACWA has asked EPA to consider the risks associated with pet flea control products containing fipronil, a pesticide with high aquatic toxicity that can pass through wastewater treatment processes.