What's In Your Water?

Senate Bill Aims to Protect People from Swimming in Sewage

September 20, 2007

Washington, D.C. — Every year, almost 900 billion gallons of raw and partially treated sewage is dumped into America’s lakes and rivers and most people have no idea this is happening.  Today, thanks to the work of Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), that could be about to change.  When passed, the Sewage Overflow Right-to-Know Act of 2007 would require sewage treatment plants to tell Americans exactly what’s in their water.

“The safety of our water should never be a guessing game,” said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers™. “Senator Lautenberg should be applauded for introducing such common sense legislation, and his 99 Senate colleagues should be clamoring to co-sponsor it.”

Companion legislation has already been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Timothy Bishop (D-NY) and Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ).  The bill (H.R 2452) is gathering fast support on both sides of the aisle, and is expected to be the subject of a House hearing before the end of the year.

The odious practice of dumping untreated sewage into our waters is happening right under our noses. In many communities, sewer systems are designed to dump raw or partially treated sewage directly into a nearby river when the treatment plant is overwhelmed by a large storm. Global warming experts predict that these severe storms will become more frequent in some regions as the planet gets hotter, resulting in even more frequent sewage overflows in these areas.

Along with these intentional overflows, America’s aging sewer systems are plagued with accidental spills due to broken pipes or equipment, along with human errors. There are currently no consistent reporting and public notification requirements for these overflows.

“The dirty little secret is that every year sewage-contaminated waters cause up to 3.5 million people to get sick, because people aren’t told when they, their families, and their pets should stay out of the water,” added Wodder.

Those millions of illnesses are placing a heavy burden on the nation’s already taxed health care system. Estimates show that we as a nation pay as much as four billion dollars a year for the medical costs associated with treating infectious waterborne illnesses. For the most vulnerable segments of our population, children, elderly, and those with already weak immune systems, these illnesses can be deadly.

“What you don’t know can hurt you,” said Wodder. “For the safety of all Americans, Congress has to pass the Sewage Right to Know Act immediately.  We shouldn’t have to wonder what’s in our water.”

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.