The Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority is pleased to announce that Governor Newsom signed AB 818 into law, requiring all packaging for diaper wipes, cleaning wipes, and cosmetic wipes to display clear “Do Not Flush” warnings and the universal “Do Not Flush” symbol. The legislation is critical to maintain public health as wastewater agencies across the state experience a rise in instances of sewer system blockages due to wipes clogging pipes. The bill is the result of a three-year effort between wastewater agencies – including the JPA – and product stewardship groups and manufacturers to address the urgent pollution problem that has plagued public wastewater infrastructure. The legislation establishes disposal labeling requirements for wet wipes packaging and requires manufacturers of wipes to educate the public on the impacts of flushing wipes improperly. The bill, authored by Assembly Member Richard Bloom (D – Santa Monica) and sponsored by the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.