SEWER Act
Sponsored By: Representative Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
Introduced
Summary
Would give CDC statutory authority and funding to expand a national wastewater surveillance system. The bill targets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Wastewater Surveillance System to detect and monitor pathogens in wastewater, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and RSV.
Show full summary
- Communities: Could get earlier outbreak signals from wastewater data, helping local officials make faster public health choices.
- Public health departments: State and local health agencies would receive CDC guidance and support for sampling, data sharing, and surveillance coordination.
- Federal coordination and CDC: Directs the CDC to expand, intensify, and coordinate NWSS activities across federal, state, and local partners and specified agencies.
- Wastewater utilities and providers: Participation is voluntary because the bill clarifies utilities are not required to comply with surveillance requests.
*Authorizes $150 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to carry out the program, subject to future appropriations.*
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More nationwide wastewater testing for viruses
If enacted, the bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the CDC, to expand the National Wastewater Surveillance System. It would fund testing of wastewater for SARS‑CoV‑2, influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and RSV. The bill would authorize $150 million each year for 2026 through 2030. Those funds would remain available until spent. The law would require coordination with federal, state, and local agencies but would not force wastewater utilities to participate. The changes would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
NE • R
Sponsored 1/28/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov