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 need for timely public access to information about sewage spills, particularly for communities reliant on clean water for their livelihoods, recreation, and cultural practices.

To facilitate this, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 90.48 RCW, requiring the Department of Ecology to develop a public-facing website by July 1, 2026. This website will provide real-time notifications of sewage spills, including details such as the volume of discharge, treatment level, incident timing, and geographic areas affected. The website will also be designed to accommodate individuals with limited English proficiency, ensuring broader access to critical information regarding sewage spills and their potential impacts.