Dispersible nonwoven webs and methods of manufacture

Nonwoven webs that are comprised of non-thermoplastic fibers, have good in-use strength, and that disperse or break apart when subjected to agitation in water are disclosed. Pre-moistened wipes comprising such webs are also disclosed. The method of making the nonwoven webs is described as providing the webs with discrete compressed sites that form lines of weakness, such that the web may fail in tension along the lines of weakness when the web is subjected to a force less than the maximum force of the uncompressed regions of the web.