Save Our Waters From Sewage Act of 2005

H.R. 1126, the Save Our Waters From Sewage Act of 2005, seeks to limit the circumstances under which public wastewater treatment plants can intentionally divert raw or partially treated sewage around their treatment systems and into local waterways. Under this bill, such bypasses would be prohibited unless they are necessary to prevent injury or severe property damage, or are required for essential maintenance that does not violate water quality standards. Additionally, the bill requires treatment facilities to provide immediate notification to the Environmental Protection Agency or state authorities whenever an unanticipated sewage bypass occurs.