What is the Clean Water Act?
The Clean Water Act (CWA) is a federal law established in 1972 in the United States with the purpose of protecting and preserving the quality of the water in the nation. The CWA ensures clean water for human consumption, aquatic life, recreation, and other purposes. In California, the CWA affects activities such as the management of wastewater, dredge and fill activities, and stormwater runoff from industrial facilities. The CWA identifies pollutant sources and gives the federal government the authority to regulate them. Under the CWA, businesses must get a permit to discharge pollutants into the water. These permits restrict the amount and type of pollutants that can be discharged and often require businesses to install pollution control technology. The CWA also has laws and regulations that limit how much of each pollutant is allowed in the water. For example, the CWA specifies that industrial facilities must not discharge pollutants such as lead and mercury that are known to cause harm to humans and aquatic life. California also has additional water quality standards known as Toxics Rule which further protect water. The Clean Water Act has been successful in improving the water quality in the United States, and especially in California. The enforcement of the CWA has resulted in cleaner water for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The CWA also helps protect the environment from water pollution by ensuring that businesses are held responsible for properly managing waste.
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