Lara Wyss, CEO, Responsible Flushing Alliance

Lara Wyss

CEO Responsible Flushing Alliance

associations and manufacturing companies committed to advocating for and educating consumers about responsible, smart flushing habits that will reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems.

Flushing products that are not designed to be flushed cause clogs. Clogs lead to costly infrastructure failures that pollute local water sources and communities. It’s not enough to remove clogs, we need to prevent them from forming in the first place.

By educating consumers on what the “Do Not Flush Symbol” means, we are making it easier for families to properly dispose bathroom and household products and keep their community’s sewer free from clogs.

What are your hopes for the future of our water sources?

RFA hopes to show consumers that proper flushing habits not only contributes to healthy homes and communities, but also helps safeguard the environment and prevent costly infrastructure failures.

In order to improve waterways and infrastructure in this country, we must communicate clearly to consumers about how to properly dispose of items not designed to be flushed. Our hope is that we can empower consumers to keep non-flushable products out of pipes and ensure that water sources are protected. If you could change one thing about the way water quality is managed currently, what would it be?

Our hope is that we can empower consumers to keep non-flushable products out of pipes and ensure that water sources are protected.

Why is water quality still a topic of concern globally?

Water is an essential part of a healthy, resilient and active community, but in the United States, nearly half of all rivers and streams are already polluted and unfit for recreational activities - let alone drinking.

Protecting our water quality starts at home and taking small steps to prevent clogs or worse issues – such as ruptures – in our public sewage systems. Education. For too long, clear instructions have been missing on what should and should not be flushed. Consumers are often unaware of the impact of improper flushing habits and this “flush it and forget it” behaviour has caused costly infrastructure failures for wastewater organisations. RFA wants to change the way we communicate with consumers about protecting water quality and clear up the confusion about what not to flush.

What role do you think technology will play in securing water quality?

Technology is already playing a major role in the research and development of products that not only biodegrade but also limit their total environmental impact. To protect our environment and water quality, consumer brands are constantly improving the flushability of bathroom wipes to ensure they minimise impact.

What role does the water industry play in improving water quality?

Website: flushsmart.org

Education is essential. Engaging with consumers on smart flushing habits and simple strategies to keep homes and communities healthy must be at the forefront of our actions.

When people know better, they do better. Educating consumers about what not to flush and explaining the importance of the “Do Not Flush” symbol is key for keeping our pipes free from clogs.

Real change happens in the everyday actions we practice, and that’s never been more true than the work RFA is doing to prevent water pollution caused by preventable clogs.

What steps are you taking to help improve water quality?