Michigan is banning the term “flushable” from the labels of premoistened nonwoven disposable bathroom wipes in the state, multiple media outlets reported. A recently passed state law prohibits manufacturers of so-called “flushable” wipes from calling them “flushable.” In addition, manufacturers must include a symbol and the words “Do Not Flush” to discourage individuals from flushing the wipes.
Macomb County Public Works Director Candice Miller campaigned against the pump-clogging cloths for years.
“These wipes are wreaking havoc on critical underground infrastructure,” Miller said.
The sturdy fabric wipes don’t break down. Therefore, they clog machinery at pump stations at treatment plants and clog the pipes of residential septic systems. The law is expected to save millions of dollars now spent to repair the damage the wipes cause on underground systems.
Virginia
Residents in five counties of central Virginia now can get money back when they pump, maintain, repair, or replace their septic system, the MadRapp Recorder reported. A cost-share program is available to residents in the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District which encompasses Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties. Reimbursement payments typically cover 50% of pumpouts, inspections, repairs, upgrades and other septic services. Low-income residents may be eligible for up to 80% reimbursement. Payments are determined based on the needs of the septic system.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Non-Point Source Program and Commonwealth of Virginia provide the funding.
Greene County Deputy Planning Director and Deputy Zoning Administrator Stephanie Golon said she appreciates the subsidies.
“Since Greene is one of the headwaters to both the James River Watershed and the Rappahannock River Watershed, we appreciate the support of these programs and acknowledge the value of not only preserving our stream’s health for our community, but also preserving the overall Chesapeake Bay’s quality for all generations to come,” Golon said.
Alabama
Texas A&M University is the lead applicant approved for an Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grant. The university is working with the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program to install septic systems for 350 households in Alabama, according to the Black Belt News. The systems will primarily be installed in Wilcox, Hale and Lowndes counties.
Texas A&M University will use a portion of the grant funding to develop a post-secondary bridge program, training and certification for wastewater professionals.
Minnesota
Polk County, Minnesota, is distributing grants to low-income residents to be used to upgrade failing septic systems. According to KROX Radio, the county received an award of $41,615 from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help residents fix their septic systems. Residents are encouraged to apply for grants by contacting the Polk County Environmental Services Department.
Massachusetts
A Massachusetts loan program reached a new milestone by disbursing $5 million in loans to homeowners in the past year, multiple media outlets reported. These loans from the Cape Cod AquiFund help residents upgrade to alternative septic system technologies or connect to municipal sewer.
The AquiFund loans offer 0%, 2%, 4% and 5% interest rates to help Cape Cod homeowners meet clean water goals. On Cape Cod, 126,000 properties use onsite septic systems, with 2,382 having alternative septic or new systems.
“The AquiFund not only helps homeowners replace their failed septic systems, but it is also one of the cornerstone programs in the region’s efforts to repair the damage done by nitrogen pollution,” said Brian Baumgaertel, director of the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Technology Center and senior environmental specialist with Barnstable County.
New York
Voters in Suffolk County, New York, will be asked to approve a 1/8-cent sales tax increase in the November election. Riverhead Local reported that the sales tax referendum aims to address nitrogen pollution in waterways and groundwater. The 1/8-cent tax would establish a wastewater infrastructure fund, split equally between advanced septic system installations and sewage infrastructure improvements.
The tax would go into effect in 2025, sunset in 2060, and generate an estimated $3 billion. The referendum also asks voters to extend to 2060 the existing ¼-cent county sales tax designated for the county’s drinking water protection program. The drinking water tax is now set to expire in 2030.
The Erie County Department of Health in New York is offering funds to specific waterfront property owners whose septic systems are failing or likely to fail, reported the Niagara County Tribune/Sentinel. The funding is designated for properties located within 250 feet of 12 specific bodies of water in Erie County. Residential and light-commercial property owners can receive up to half of the cost to update or replace their septic system, with the maximum award set at $10,000.
Residents and businesses interested in applying can find more information on the Erie County website.
Georgia
Homeowners in Cobb County, Georgia, can apply for a credit of up to $250 to cover the cost of a septic system pumpout, reported The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department recently announced this incentive program, funded by an American Rescue Plan grant.
Residents qualify for the grant by hiring a state-approved septic pumping contractor for services. Then, they submit their proof of service to Cobb Environmental Health, either online or through the mail. Credits would be added to the resident’s water bill within 90 days. The credits are available for service completed before Sept. 30, 2026, or until the funding is depleted.
