What is the Clean Water Act designed to do?

The Clean Water Act was established to protect the quality of water in the United States by regulating the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. Its primary aim is to safeguard water bodies from contamination, ensuring that they remain safe for public use and healthy for ecosystems. This includes setting water quality standards, controlling point source discharges, and providing assistance for water pollution control facilities.

The focus on protecting water from pollution means that the Act includes measures to reduce the impact of industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and other sources of contamination. By prioritizing water protection, the Clean Water Act plays a crucial role in sustaining both environmental health and public safety.