Success Story
Wipes Labeling Reform: The WIPPES Act
From state success to federal law, ENS built the coalition, drove the strategy, and delivered the result.
Critical Infrastructure
441
Million in avoidable damage addressed
California clean water association
The Challenge
The Problem
Wet wipes were costing America's clean water utilities $441 million a year in avoidable damage. Without consistent “Do Not Flush” labeling on packaging, consumers had no reliable way to know which wipes belonged in the trash, leading to clogged pipes, damaged pumps, and sewer overflow events.
Our Approach
What ENS Did
- ✓ Helped to secure bipartisan sponsors in the House and Senate
- ✓ Assisted in developing the legislative language for the WIPPES Act
- ✓ Helped build a broad, diverse coalition of public and private stakeholders
- ✓ Assisted client serve as the lead stakeholder point of contact for congressional staff
- ✓ Ensured the federal bill did not interfere with existing state laws or industry commerce processes
The Outcome
The Result
The WIPPES Act passed with unanimous bipartisan support in committee and on the floor of both chambers, establishing the first-ever national “Do Not Flush” labeling standard while preserving the client's prior state-level wins.
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