What is the role of the Clean Water Act?

The Clean Water Act plays a crucial role in environmental protection by focusing specifically on the restoration and maintenance of the integrity of the nation's waters. This includes ensuring that rivers, lakes, and streams are free from pollution and supporting the overall quality of water in the United States. The Act sets regulatory frameworks and standards that aim to prevent point and non-point source pollution, thus safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Its primary objectives include achieving water quality standards necessary for the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and recreation in and on the water. By mandating the establishment of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for pollutants in waters that do not meet water quality standards, the Act directly facilitates efforts to improve water conditions. Additionally, the Clean Water Act enforces regulations that require permits for discharges into navigable waters, which is vital for managing pollution sources effectively.

This focus on protecting U.S. waters distinguishes it from other goals such as promoting infrastructure projects (like dams), establishing safety standards for bottled water, or regulating utility pricing, which do not align with its primary mandate of water quality preservation and restoration.