Clean Water Act

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What is the Clean Water Act?

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The Clean Water Act is a U.S. federal law that regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nation's surface waters, including lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and coastal areas. It was passed in 1972 and amended in 1977 and 1987.

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What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

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3% of Earth's water is freshwater.

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What does GMO stand for?

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GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism.

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Which sector uses the most water?

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The agriculture sector uses the most water.

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What types of pollution are caused by animal wastes that runoff into water?

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Animal wastes that runoff into water cause nutrient and bacterial pollution.

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What is the purpose of the Clean Water Act?

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The purpose of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point and nonpoint source pollution.

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What are point sources of pollution?

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Point sources of pollution are identifiable sources that discharge pollutants directly into water bodies, such as factories or sewage treatment plants.

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What are nonpoint sources of pollution?

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Nonpoint sources of pollution are diffuse sources that cannot be traced to a single point, such as agricultural runoff or urban stormwater.

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What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)?

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The NPDES is a program under the Clean Water Act that regulates discharges of pollutants from point sources into waters of the United States.

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What is the significance of the 1972 Clean Water Act amendments?

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The 1972 amendments strengthened the federal government's ability to regulate water pollution and set water quality standards.