Like it or not, residents in some states can expect to be notified when sewage flows in their local streams, while in other states people take their chances.

Consider a couple of states with the public's interest in mind - according to U.S. Public Interest Research Group:

• Michigan - Awarded an A- by U.S. PIRG for having the best sewage notification law in the Great Lakes region. Wastewater system operators in Michigan must report spills to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), regional health departments and downstream communities within 24 hours. Health departments issue a public health advisory when there is danger to residents, and DEQ posts all spills on their website.

• Maryland - In the great Bay state, wastewater system operators must contact the Department of the Environment and health departments within 24 hours. Any time there is a threat to public health, operators must place a paid advertisement or public service announcement in the local media, post signs at affected waterways and notify downstream establishments with vulnerable populations.

Some states on the flip side:

• Ohio - Given a D- by U.S. PIRG because some facilities are only required to report their spills to Ohio EPA once a year. There is no statewide requirement for public notification and residents have no way of knowing when they are in danger of coming in contact with contaminated waterways.

• Tennessee and South Carolina - neither requires any notification at all.

This highly variable patchwork of notification and reporting requirements across the country highlights the need for a federal minimum standard. States like Maryland can stick with their higher standard while others would finally have to inform their citizens of sewage pollution.

Surely, all communities - around the nation - have the right-to-know when sewage flows in local rivers and streams. That's what this campaign is about.

So do you know when sewage pollutes your river?