What is the Clean Water Act?

The Clean Water Act is a federal law passed in 1972 that regulates the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters. It is based on the principle that all bodies of water in the United States should be suitable for recreational activities like fishing and swimming. The law grants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set water quality standards, as well as set limits on the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into waterways. It also contains provisions to protect wetlands and coastal areas from damage due to careless development. In South Carolina, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the agency responsible for enforcing the Clean Water Act. The purpose of the Clean Water Act is to ensure the quality of the environment by protecting the nation’s waters from pollution. It also serves as an incentive to industry to reduce the amount of pollutants they are discharging into U.S. waters. By setting standards and restrictions, the act helps to preserve and protect our country’s natural resources. The Clean Water Act serves as an important piece of legislation in South Carolina’s Water Law. This law helps to ensure water quality and protect South Carolina’s natural resources. The Act is also a tool that can be used to address water quality issues stemming from pollution, development, and other human activities. Along with other state and federal laws, it is instrumental in protecting our waterways and providing a safe and healthy environment for all.

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What is the Clean Water Act?

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