The bill aims to enhance transparency regarding sewage spills in Washington State by establishing a public notification system. It mandates that municipal wastewater treatment plant owners and operators, as well as wastewater collectors with national pollutant discharge elimination system permits, disclose unauthorized spills of untreated or undertreated sewage to the Department of Ecology. The legislation recognizes the importance of timely public notification for individuals and communities that rely on clean water for their livelihoods, recreation, and cultural practices.

To implement this, the bill requires the Department of Ecology to develop a public-facing website by July 1, 2026, which will provide real-time information about sewage spills. This website will include details such as the estimated volume of discharge, treatment level, incident timing, location, and geographic areas potentially impacted. Additionally, the website will be designed to effectively communicate with individuals who have limited English proficiency. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency and timely information to protect public health and environmental quality.