The SEWER Act (Surveilling Effluent Water for Epidemic Response Act) directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand and coordinate the National Wastewater Surveillance System to detect and monitor infectious diseases in wastewater, including COVID-19, influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. The legislation authorizes $150 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support these expanded wastewater monitoring activities in coordination with federal, state, and local health agencies. The bill affects public health agencies and wastewater systems that may participate in surveillance efforts, helping improve the nation's ability to detect disease outbreaks early and prepare for public health emergencies. Importantly, the legislation includes a provision clarifying that wastewater utilities and service providers cannot be required to participate in surveillance activities, making participation voluntary.