SEWER Act

HR 9008, the SEWER Act, establishes a National Wastewater Surveillance System to detect disease-causing pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, flu, mpox, and others in sewage. The bill directs the CDC to expand this system, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to monitor wastewater for public health threats. It authorizes $150 million annually (2025-2029) for this effort, with funds remaining available until spent. The law explicitly states wastewater utilities are not required to comply with surveillance requests, making participation voluntary for them.