What is the focus of the Clean Water Act?

The Clean Water Act primarily aims to maintain and restore the integrity of the nation's waters by establishing quality standards for surface waters. Its focus is on ensuring that water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and estuaries are not only free from pollution but also support aquatic life and recreational activities. The Act sets forth a framework for regulating the discharge of pollutants into waterways, thereby prioritizing water quality to protect human health and the environment.

The importance of establishing and maintaining water quality standards is pivotal for safeguarding ecosystems, public health, and supporting economic activities that rely on clean water. Through various provisions, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), the Clean Water Act empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce regulations that protect water quality at the federal level while allowing states to implement more stringent standards if they choose.

In contrast, actions such as regulating air pollutants or managing hazardous waste disposal, while critical to environmental protection, fall under different legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, respectively. This distinction is key in understanding the specific purpose and scope of the Clean Water Act within the broader context of environmental regulation.