What is the primary purpose of the Clean Water Act?

The primary purpose of the Clean Water Act is to regulate water pollution. Enacted in 1972, the act aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by controlling pollutant discharges into water bodies. This includes establishing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires permits for discharges of pollutants into navigable waters. The ultimate goal is to ensure that water quality standards are met, protecting both human health and the environment, fostering safe aquatic ecosystems, and maintaining recreational opportunities on water bodies.

While managing water consumption, promoting renewable energy, and protecting marine wildlife are significant environmental objectives, they are not the central focus of the Clean Water Act. Instead, the act specifically addresses pollution control, making it foundational in the federal effort to enhance water cleanliness and safeguard public health related to water resources.