The first version of the cwa was passed in 1948 under president truman. Clean water act cwa, also known as federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972, u. The clean water act of 1972 was the nations first comprehensive water pollution control law. The federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972 pl 92500, with modest changes in 1977, 1982, and 1987, has been the framework for water pollution control in the united states for the past 18 years. Its objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nations waters. Epa publication december 1972 epa releases guidelines for new water quality standards. The clean water act of 1972 as the 20th century progressed, more and more metropolitan areas in the world found it necessary to install water treatment plants in order to provide clean, healthy water to their residents. Federal clean water act of 1972 how is federal clean. 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. The federal water pollution control act as in effect immediately prior to the date of enactment of this act oct. Some states have chosen to develop ground water quality standards mentioned in the section entitled. 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. The federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972. The clean water act cwa of 1972 is federal legislation governing water pollution.
The clean water act addressed a classic externality. Originally enacted in 1948, it was totally revised by amendments in 1972 that gave the act its current shape. The protection and restoration program focuses on the clean water act because the act truly embraces in fact relies on active citizen participation. The nation tackles air and water pollution sage publications. Since 1972, the cwa has directed the states to establish, and periodically revise, ambient.
Consequences of the clean water act and the demand for water. Science, politics, law, and the arc of the clean water act. The goals and major programs of the federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972 677 h. The united states code is meant to be an organized, logical compilation of the laws passed by congress. 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.
Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. At the time, twothirds of the countrys lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972 govinfo. Watershed academy web introduction to the clean water act. Clean water act of 1972 article about clean water act of 1972 by the free dictionary. 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. The environmental protection agency and the army corps of engineers jointly published a final rule on may 27, 2015, defining the phrase waters of the united states under the federal clean water act. May 16, 20 the clean water act cwa is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the united states. It served as a major revision of the federal water pollution control act of 1948, which had proven. Clean water act, 1948 as amended 1966, 1972, section 10. As the title suggests, this paper will trace the history of federal interventions in u.
However, in 1972, public awareness and concern for. The clean water act cwa is the primary federal law in the united states governing water pollution. Even without the hedonic estimates of the next section, one can combine. 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 establishes the basic structure for. The clean water act, with the new toxics provisions of 1977, provides controls over dispersal into the nations waters of those toxic substances which continue in use and the resource conservation and recovery act of 1976 provides similar controls over disposition of toxicsladen solid wastes, including municipal sewage sludge. At least some would also agree that over the forty years of its existence, the cwa has been the most e. Californias portercologne water quality control act and the federal clean water act differ in. At least some would also agree that over the forty years of its existence, the cwa has. William hines, history of the 1972 clean water act. 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.
The 1972 clean water act also set as a lofty goal the zero discharge of pollutants into the nations waters by 1985. At its top level, it divides the world of legislation into fifty topicallyorganized titles, and each title is further subdivided into any number of logical subtopics. The 1972 cwa stated broad national objectives and goals for regulating and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the water in the united states. The clean water act cwa is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the united states.
History of the clean water act american water college. A summary of the law congressional research service 1 introduction the principal law governing pollution of the nations surface waters is the federal water pollution control act, or clean water act. 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. In 1972, amendments to the federal water pollution control act added what is commonly called section 404 authority 33 u. Clean water act of 1972 definition of clean water act of. As amended in 1977, the law became commonly known as the clean water act cwa. A federal statute enacted in 1972 that has been successful in improving the water quality of lakes and rivers explanation of clean water act of 1972. The clean water act of 1972 provisions of the law political parties legislative process the cwa was the first to make water quality a national interest the act prohibited the discharge of pollutants without a permit the cwa took power away from the states and gave control.
Clean water act became the act s common name with amendments in 1977. The cwa was a response to increasing public concern for the environment and for the condition of the nations waters. Summary of the clean water act american water college. This paper quanti es changes in water pollution since before 1972, studies the causes of any changes, and analyzes the welfare consequences of any changes.
When congress debated the 1972 amendments to the federal water pollution control act, midcourse corrections were promised. Clean air act of 1970 and the federal water pollution control act of 1972, commonly known as the clean water act. Clean water act effects, important, system, source, marine. Amendments of 1972, now known as the clean water act.
This definition is critically important because it determines which water bodies are subject to federal permitting requirements and which waters are beyond federal authority. Agenda nonpoint source control introduction water quality standards wetlandstream alt point source permits. Because the clean water act is such an important tool, here we provide you with links to the full text of this critical law. Originally enacted in 1948, it was totally revised by amendments in.
However, evaluations of the cwas effectiveness at improving regional water quality are lacking, primarily because. The clean water act cwa as we know it has a longer history than you might think. True facts about the clean water act, part 1 clean water. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to sweeping amendments in 1972. 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. The clean water act cwa has regulated discharges of contaminants since 1972.
Introduction to wqs or water quality standards that address. The federal water pollution control act was passed to address the concerns surrounding water pollution and contaminants. Since passage in 1972, the clean water act has made great strides in protecting and restoring americas waters. A landowner who intends to make substantial investments in acquisition or. However, evaluations of the cwas effectiveness at improving regional water quality are lacking, primarily because integration of monitoring data from multiple dischargers to assess cumulative effects is not required. Originally enacted in 1948, it was totally revised by amendments in 1972 that gave the act its current dimensions. The project will also combine the decentralized detention with a fo. On its face, the cwa is an ambitious effort to rid the nations surface waters of pollution. The federal water pollution control act is amended to. This comment will attempt to illustrate the manner in which the 1972 amendments have restructured the water. 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. The clean water act of 1972 empowers the federal government to protect the nations waters. Passed in 1972, the clean water act was a response to the nearly unchecked dumping of pollution into our waterways.
It served as a major revision of the federal water pollution control act of. The clean water act cwa is the primary federal law in the united states governing water. In 1972, congress enacted the clean water act with broad bipartisan support in order to protect the waters. These calculations combine our regression estimates and the cost data. The meaning of the 1977 clean water act about epa us epa. This act was expanded, restructured and reorganized in 1972 with the clean water act we have today. The clean water act led to significant reductions in industrial and sewage waste discharges. It provides for the maintenance of the chemical, physical and biological integrity of nations waters. The 1972 amendments have been characterized as totally restructuring the water pollution control program and making a farreaching national commitment to clean water.
The clean water act of 1972 history of water filters. History of the clean water act the federal water pollution control act of 1948 was the first major u. Overall, more than 60 percent of the nations waters meet the clean water act s fishable and swimmable goal. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. The new statute imposed a patchwork of technology based controls, water quality standards, planning requirements, compliance.
This is the first in our series, and its a 2parter, so stay tuned for more. 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. Amendments to title i amends the federal water pollution control act the clean water act to authorize appropriations for fy 1983 through 1990 for. The modern clean water act has its origins in the federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972. Clean water act cwa or act establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into u. It became a general principle in the developed world that. 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. Epa press release february, 1973 indiana and federal epa announce issuance of nations first wastewater permits.
Find out information about clean water act of 1972. This act also created a major public work financing program for the municipal sewage treatment. The clean water act of 1977 has fulfilled that promiseand it also maintains the original promise of the clean water for the american people. 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. Before the clean water act cwa, however, the federal water pollution control act of 1948 was the nations first. How effective has the clean water act been at reducing. The clean water act cwa, enacted on october 18, 1972, brought forth many changes in. The act does not deal directly with ground water or with water quantity issues. Controversial clean water act rule published perkins coie. In 1972, congress passed the marine protection, research, and sanctuaries act, known as the.
Overall, more than 60 percent of the nations waters meet the clean water acts fishable and swimmable goal. The basis of the cwa was enacted in 1948, and was called the federal water pollution control act. This act was expanded, restructured and reorganized in 1972 with the. Federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972 clean water act of 1972 were a comprehensive revision and expansion of the clean water act of 1948 and its amendments. Moreover, section 305 b of the act requires epa to compile a biennial report to congress on the nations water quality. 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. But which waters are under government jurisdiction is a fiercelycontested question. Congress passed related legislation also at this time to ensure that its intent to cover all waters of the united states was clear. Clean water act of 1972 article about clean water act of. Water pollution control act amendments of 1972 1972 amendments. Some regulations interpreting the 1972 law have included water features such as intermittent. More than seventy changes were made in the existing law.
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. 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. Introduced in house 01061987 water quality act of 1987 title i. Clean water act sought \to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nations waters. Under section 309, epa can issue administrative orders and can seek civil, criminal penalties against the violators of the act. Oct 04, 2016 when congress debated the 1972 amendments to the federal water pollution control act, midcourse corrections were promised. Epa press release march 2, 1973 epa issues first municipal wastewater discharge permit in.
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