For Immediate Release
March 4, 2026
Sierra Wallace, Communications Director
(202) 355-8431
swallace@dccouncil.gov

Councilmember Henderson Introduces Legislation to Preserve Our Regional Sewer Infrastructure

Washington, DC – On Monday, March 2, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Consumer Levies on Obstructive Garbage (CLOG) Amendment Act of 2026. This bill would increase the strength of our regional sewer system infrastructure, create disincentives to purchase nonwoven disposable wipes that damage shared resources, and create an incentive to use environmentally friendly personal hygiene alternatives.

“The efforts to repair a portion of the Potomac Interceptor, which collapsed in January, has highlighted factors that undermine the structural integrity of our shared utilities, specifically inappropriate residential flushing practices,” stated Councilmember Henderson. “On February 8, the bypass systems, which were set up to divert sewage flow while the Potomac Interceptor was under repair, were temporarily disabled by a massive influx of so-called flushable wipes, causing yet another sewage overflow into the Potomac River. These wipes have been a nemesis to water utilities across the country for years. This bill aims to recoup capital costs and encourage residents to switch to more environmentally friendly hygiene alternatives.”

This bill would create consumer incentives to more responsibly purchase cleansing products.

• First, this bill would subject these wipes to a 15% sales tax rate. The funds raised by this tax would be directed to DC Water to enhance the capital budget for sewer system maintenance and repair.  

• Second, this bill would encourage residents to switch to using bidets by exempting bidets from sales tax. Bidets are sustainable and provide a targeted, low-cost, and responsible alternative to non-woven disposable products and offers better cleansing and hygienic outcomes.  

This bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Robert C. White, Brianne K. Nadeau, and Brooke Pinto. A video demonstration of how flushable wipes breakdown in our sewer system in comparison to toilet paper can be found here.

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