The bill aims to enhance transparency regarding sewage spills by establishing a public notification system for incidents involving untreated or undertreated sewage. 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 to the Department of Ecology. The legislation recognizes the importance of timely public notification for communities reliant on clean water, particularly those involved in fishing, aquaculture, and recreational activities.

To implement 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 information about sewage spills, including details such as the volume of discharge, treatment level, incident timing, and geographic areas affected. Additionally, the website will be designed to accommodate individuals with limited English proficiency, ensuring broader access to critical information regarding sewage spills.