The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law in the United States aimed at preventing water pollution and restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. Enacted in 1972 as a major revision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the CWA regulates discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters through a permit system called the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The act also sets water quality standards and aims to eliminate pollutant discharges from point sources like factories and sewage treatment plants unless permitted. It focuses on ensuring water quality for various designated uses such as recreation, fishing, and water supply and includes technology-based and quality-based pollution control measures.
Key Objectives
- Restore and maintain clean and healthy waters by preventing pollution.
- Regulate pollutant discharges to navigable waters via permits.
- Set water quality standards in cooperation with states.
- Control industrial and municipal wastewater discharge.
Regulatory Mechanisms
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits limit and monitor pollutant discharges.
- States classify bodies of water and create water quality plans approved by the EPA.
- Technology-based effluent guidelines and total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) control pollution amounts.
- Public participation is encouraged in permitting processes.
Scope and Enforcement
- The EPA and states share regulatory authority.
- The CWA applies mainly to surface waters, not groundwater.
- It includes provisions for enforcement actions against violators.
- Specific programs address stormwater, toxic chemicals, and industrial discharges.
In summary, the Clean Water Act is a cornerstone of U.S. environmental law designed to protect water resources by controlling pollution and maintaining water quality standards.
