NACWA provided input to EPA on the registration reviews of imidacloprid, a pesticide used in pet flea control products and indoor pest control sprays, and boric acid/sodium salts, a chemical used in swimming pools, spas and fountains. 

Products containing imidacloprid can be washed into the sewer system directly, or they can transfer to household and other surfaces and then be washed into the sewer.  Imidacloprid has been shown to pass through wastewater treatment plants, which are not designed to remove insecticides, and has high toxicity in the aquatic environment. 

NACWA requested in its July 24 comments that EPA evaluate the implications of imidacloprid use, and consider all available alternatives.  NACWA referenced the detailed compilation of recent research related to imidacloprid submitted by the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA).  

NACWA previously submitted comments on lithium hypochlorite, another swimming pool chemical, and asked EPA to follow the recommendation of NACWA and BACWA to use label language that informs users of the need to find out and follow the appropriate procedures in their locality for draining swimming pools.  In its July 24 comments on boric acid/sodium salts, NACWA asked EPA to use the same language that was used for lithium hypochlorite.

NACWA members with concerns or comments about pesticide impacts on wastewater utilities should contact Cynthia Finley.