Clean Water Act
Definition
The Clean Water Act is a federal law in the United States that regulates and protects the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. It sets standards for wastewater treatment, controls pollution from industries, and aims to maintain the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
Analogy
Think of the Clean Water Act as a lifeguard at a swimming pool. Just like how a lifeguard ensures everyone's safety by enforcing rules and maintaining cleanliness in the pool, the Clean Water Act works to protect our water resources and keep them clean for both humans and wildlife.
Related terms
NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System): This program under the CWA issues permits to regulate point source discharges into waters of the United States.
TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load): TMDL refers to the maximum amount of pollutants that a body of water can handle while still meeting water quality standards.
Wetlands: These are areas where land meets water, such as marshes or swamps. Wetlands play a crucial role in filtering pollutants from runoff before they reach larger bodies of water.
"Clean Water Act" appears in:
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Practice Questions (4)
- What is the main goal of the Clean Water Act?
- What is the primary goal of the Clean Water Act?
- Which federal agency has the authority to establish water quality standards under the Clean Water Act?
- What permit program is established by the Clean Water Act for regulating pollutant discharge into surface waters?
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