Summary of the clean water act american water college. History of the clean water act the federal water pollution control act of 1948 was the first major u. To celebrate well be sharing reflections on the act, talking about the fight to protect clean water, and discussing what we can all do to put drinking water first. Cleaning reduces grain losses of stored rice cleaning seemed to intensely affect populations of s. The 1972 passage of the clean water act marked an important milestone in the nations. Before the clean water act cwa, however, the federal water pollution control act of 1948 was the nations first. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the united state8 of america in congress assembled, that this act may be cited as the federal water pollution control act. Moreover, section 305 b of the act requires epa to compile a biennial report to congress on the nations water quality.
Clean water act effects, important, system, source, marine. An act to provide for water pollution control activities in the public health serv. As amended in 1977, the law became commonly known as the clean water act cwa. A summary of the law introduction the principal law governing pollution of the nations surface waters is the federal water pollution control act, or clean water act. Clean water act became the act s common name with amendments in 1977. The clean water act cwa establishes the basic structure for. The united states has made great progress since 1970 in cleaning the air, but the job is far from complete. The act does not deal directly with ground water or with water quantity issues. This act also created a major public work financing program for the municipal sewage treatment. The cwa was a response to increasing public concern for the environment and for the condition of the nations waters. William hines, history of the 1972 clean water act.
The clean water act cwa, which was enacted in 1972, built the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the united states to maintain water quality standards wqs for surface waters in the u. The act established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the united states. Originally enacted in 1948, it was totally revised by amendments in 1972 that gave the act its current. The first version of the cwa was passed in 1948 under president truman. The basis of the cwa was enacted in 1948, and was called the federal water pollution control act. Despite the 1972 clean water act approaching its 40th anniversary, the nation continues to struggle to define which waters fall within federal jurisdiction under that landmark statute. The federal water pollution control act was passed to address the concerns surrounding water pollution and contaminants. Some states have chosen to develop ground water quality standards mentioned in the section entitled. Introduction to wqs or water quality standards that address.
Clean water act of 1972 prohibited discharge of any pollutant from a point source wo npdes permit. Water, sanitation and hygiene has the potential to prevent at least 9. The clean water act cwa of 1972 the law or statute, as amended, has been the primary federal law in the u. The clean water act of 1972 empowers the federal government to protect the nations waters. November 15, 1990 marks a milestone in clean air act history, the signing of the 1990 amendments.
Watershed academy web introduction to the clean water act. Congress passed related legislation also at this time to ensure that its intent to cover all waters of the united states was clear. History of the clean water act american water college. Introduction to the clean water act us epa web server. Passed in 1972 and amended in 1977 and 1987, the clean water act was originally known as the federal water pollution control act. At the time, twothirds of the countrys lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Global wash fast facts global water, sanitation and. The clean water act cwa has regulated discharges of contaminants since 1972. The clean water act cwa is the primary federal law in the united states governing water pollution. The clean water act of 1972 maintains the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the waterways, and the safe drinking water act of 1974 controls drinking water contamination through multiple barriers. The clean water act of 1972 was the nations first comprehensive water pollution control law. This act was expanded, restructured and reorganized in 1972 with the clean water act we have today. The new statute imposed a patchwork of technology based controls, water quality standards, planning requirements, compliance.
Oct 04, 20 icy act of 1969 nepa,1 the clean air act of 1970,2 and the 1972 clean water act cwa3many environmental law scholars would likely agree that the cwa was the best designed and most artfully drafted. As amended in 1972, the law became commonly known as the clean water act cwa. However, in 1972, public awareness and concern for. In 1972, congress passed the marine protection, research, and sanctuaries act, known as the. Originally enacted in 1948, it was totally revised by amendments in 1972 that gave the act its current shape. Control act amendments of 1972, supplemented by a 45pager in the form of the clean water act of. This pdf file was adapted from an online training module of the. The basis of the cwa was enacted in 1948 and was called the federal water pollution control act, but the act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972. Clean water act of 1972 definition of clean water act of. Environmental protection agency clean water act cre. Overview of the clean air act and air pollution us epa.
Clean water act cwa, also known as federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972, u. Clean water act, 1948 as amended 1966, 1972, section 10. Since passage in 1972, the clean water act has made great strides in protecting and restoring americas waters. Passed in 1972, the clean water act was a response to the nearly unchecked dumping of pollution into our waterways. The secretary of the army, acting through the chief of engineers, is authorized to issue permits, after notice and opportunity for public hearings, for the discharge of dredged or fill. Compartmentalized thinking and the clean water act uf law. This is the first in our series, and its a 2parter, so stay tuned for more. Dec 02, 20 clean water act project eduardo samayoa peter bambalis hunter mason victoria hopkins benjamin beroth. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to enactment of the federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972. Oct 14, 2014 the clean water act turns 42 on saturday. How effective has the clean water act been at reducing.
The clean water act was passed when 60% of waterways in the. Clean water act of 1972 grew from the1969 burning of the cuyahoga river in cleveland duration. Wetlands frequently represent the geographical transition zone between open waters and uplands, such that wetland jurisdictional disputes. Congress enacted the act to enhance the quality and value of our water resources and to establish a national policy for the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution. You may need a pdf reader to view some of the files on this page. The national wildlife federation advocates for preventing wetland and stream destruction and pollution through strong enforcement of the clean water act. The clean water act cwa as we know it has a longer history than you might think. The clean water act cwa establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the united states and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Under section 309, epa can issue administrative orders and can seek civil, criminal penalties against the violators of the act. The clean water act was enacted by congress in 1972 to address water pollution in the us. A summary of the law congressional research service summary the principal law governing pollution of the nations surface waters is the federal water pollution control act, or clean water act. Federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972 govinfo. The clean water act of 1972 history of water filters.
The federal water pollution control act of 1948 was the first major u. Clean water act 1972, 1977, 1987 federal involvement in protecting the nations waters began with the water pollution control act of 1948, the first statute to provide state and local governments with the funding to address water pollution. May 16, 20 the clean water act cwa is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the united states. The federal water pollution control act, commonly known as the clean water act was. The federal water pollution control act is amended to read. The 1972 congressional clean water act 631992 the clean water act cwa is the primary. Its objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nations waters. The federal water pollution control act, comprising. Sep 08, 2016 the clean water act cwa establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the united states and regulating quality standards for surface waters. It became law that every city in the nation install a water treatment plant, and it became a national goal to have clean water, once more, by 1985 outwater, 1996. The clean water act cwa is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the united states. The impact of clean water technologies on public health in the u. The clean water act also continued requirements to set water quality. It served as a major revision of the federal water pollution control act of 1948, which had proven.
In 1972, amendments to the federal water pollution control act added what is commonly called section 404 authority 33 u. In this lesson, students consider how the clean water act of 1972 became a law. How is federal clean water act of 1972 abbreviated. The cwa made it unlawful to discharge any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters, unless a permit authorized under the cwa was obtained. The mix of interest and politics was never more prevalent than during the creation of the 1972 federal water pollution control act. Clean water act of 1972 grew from the1969 burning of the. The clean water act becomes law on october 18, 1972. After centuries of reckless treatment of american rivers, streams, lakes and bays, the landmark act institutes strict regulations on pollution. The federal water pollution control act as in effect immediately prior to the date of enactment of this act oct. These amendments set the stage for protecting the ozone layer, reducing acid rain and toxic pollutants, and improving air quality and visibility.
Sep 20, 2012 the federal water pollution control act, on june 30, 1948 clean water act became the common name with the 1972 amendments summary. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Federal clean water act of 1972 how is federal clean water. The clean water act, like the discovery of the microscope and the disastrous effects of cholera and typhoid epidemics throughout the world, sparked renewed interest in water filtration. But which waters are under government jurisdiction is a fiercelycontested question. True facts about the clean water act, part 1 clean water action. Clean water act of 1972 article about clean water act of. As amended in 1977, this law became commonly known as the clean water act. As the title suggests, this paper will trace the history of federal interventions in u. It served as a major revision of the federal water pollution control act of. Public law 92500 an act to amend the federal water pollution control act. Clean water act cwa or act establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into u. At least some would also agree that over the forty years of its existence, the cwa has. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to sweeping amendments in 1972.
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