Resource Page for: An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes

Resource Page for: An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes

Wipes Regulations can Save Ratepayers $, Keep Waters Clean

	Wipes clogged these sewage pumps in Springfield, MA Springfield Water & Sewer Dept.	Flushed wipes in a clog under Commonwealth Avenue in Boston  Credit: Boston Water & Sewer Commission, Adrianna Cillo

 Bills filed for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session that we are supporting:

• SD.1057, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes. Sponsor is Senator James B. Eldridge. 
  • Link to bill text > https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD1057
• HD.1625, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes. Sponsor is Representative Carolyn Dykema
  • Link to bill text  >  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/HD1625

Issue: Massachusetts sewers face avoidable costs for clogs, fouled pumps and resulting sanitary sewer overflows. As the popularity of various wipes increases and users flush them, these costs will increase.

Background: Since the early 2000s, wipes have been aggressively marketed as a replacement for toilet paper, mops, cleaning brushes and rags. This multi-billion-dollar industry[1] has had disastrous impacts on local sewer systems as clogs and fouled pumps increase.

Key Points:

• This legislation targets only wipes and other products that are not flushable according to industry. 
• Unlike toilet paper, wipes are not “dispersible” in normal sewer conditions
• Many such products are labeled “flushable”
• Clogs and fouling from flushed wipes costs sewer operations in Massachusetts nearly $10 million annually.
• In MA, the estimate just for operations is nearly $10M annually.
• NACWA (the National Association of Clean Water Agencies) promotes using science-based standards for dispersibility[2]
• Wipes should be properly and clearly labeled.[3]

Action Requested:

• We respectfully ask that the Legislature pass these bills to classify wipes, using wipes-industry standards as “non-flushable.” 
• We ask that those wipes that do not meet industry dispersible standards have prominent, mandatory “Do Not Flush” labelling, following NACWA labeling guidelines.​

These bills include strong, specific language[4].

SD.1057, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes. Sponsor is Senator James B. Eldridge.  Link to bill text > https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD1057

HD.1625, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes. Sponsor is Representative Carolyn Dykema  Link to bill text  >  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/HD1625

These associations and organizations support these bills

ACEC/MA, American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts

MAWEA, Massachusetts Water Environment Association

MMMA, Massachusetts Municipal Association

WAC, Wastewater Advisory Committee to the MWRA

WSCAC, Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee to the MWRA

NEWEA, New England Water Environment Association

Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association

Resource and Articles:

Eldridge-Dykema bill seeks to flush away those clogged-up pipes: https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2021/03/19/eldridge-dykema-bill-seeks-get-non-flushable-wipes-out-sewer-systems/4755841001/ 

Additional Resources:

Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association https://www.yankeeonsite.org/