Clean Water Act
surface water, monitor point source pollutants
The Clean Water Act is a federal law passed by the United States Congress in 1972 to regulate and protect the country’s water resources, including streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other bodies of water. The law aims to ensure that all of the nation’s waters are safe for human use and consumption, and that aquatic habitats and wildlife are protected from pollution and degradation.
The Clean Water Act establishes a framework for regulating the discharge of pollutants from point sources such as factories, wastewater treatment plants, and other industrial sites. It also regulates nonpoint source pollution, which includes runoff from agricultural fields, urban areas, and construction sites. The law established a permit system for point sources, which requires companies and entities to obtain permits before discharging pollutants into waterways.
The act also empowered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters, which includes drinking water and recreational waters. The EPA is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the Clean Water Act, working in conjunction with state and local governments.
Overall, the Clean Water Act is essential in protecting the health and wellbeing of the American people, as well as preserving the nation’s water resources, aquatic habitats, and wildlife.
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