With more than a million-and-a-half people sickened each year by swimming in sewage-contaminated water nationwide, one Long Island politician aims to increase transparency to the public.

U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) has proposed a law that would toughen the reporting requirements for sewage treatment plants. As the laws stand, Bishop said residents might not be aware if a plant releases waste into the water.

"What we're hoping to raise is public awareness about the problem and, in the process, reduce exposure to contaminated water," Bishop said.

Raymond A. Ribeiro, Nassau County's commissioner of public works, said that in the event of a county plant leak, the department would notify the Department of Environmental Conservation and the towns, which would inform residents.

When the Long Beach or other Island plants have violations, residents must file a Freedom of Information Act request with the state, said Adrienne Esposito of the Citizen's Campaign for the Environment.

"The public should have a right to know when sewage is released into the waterway," she said.

To watch the complete press conference with Rep. Tim Bishop on dirty water, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.