Clean Water Act
Clean Is Always Better
History
Congress debated the Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1977. More than seventy changes were made in the existing law. The 1977 Clean Water Act continued the national goal of eliminating the discharge of pollutants into our water.
Facts
- Gave EPA the authority to implement pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry.
- Recognized the need for planning to address the critical problems posed by nonpoint source pollution.
- Maintained existing requirements to set water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters.
Poblems And Solutions
Unfortunately, for more than a decade, 20 million acres and 2 million stream miles have been at increased risk of pollution.