What is the Clean Water Act?

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is a federal law that sets the standards for water quality in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the State of Washington. It was enacted by Congress in 1972 in an effort to protect and improve the nation’s water resources. The CWA requires states to set water quality standards and enforce those standards, and it authorizes federal agencies to take action when necessary to protect and maintain the quality of our nation’s waters. In Washington, the CWA is enforced by the Washington State Department of Ecology and requires a variety of actions designed to protect and improve water quality. These actions include the development and enforcement of standards, the inspection of wastewater treatment systems and the protection of water bodies from pollution. The CWA also contains programs that allow individuals and industries to improve their practices in order to reduce pollution. These programs, such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), require industries to apply for and receive permits for activities that could potentially pollute the environment. The permits set specific limits on allowable levels of pollutants being discharged into water bodies. Ultimately, the Clean Water Act seeks to maintain the quality of water in Washington and throughout the United States. It is a powerful tool for preventing the discharge of pollutants into our waterways and for ensuring that all citizens have access to clean and safe water.

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What is the Clean Water Act?

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