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Purpose of the Clean Water Act
Our nation’s waters are one of most valuable resources,
helping to support human, plant and animal life. We use our waters for many purposes, such
as drinking, swimming, fishing, agriculture, and industry. Our water resources include rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, estuaries, ground
water, and wetlands. The Clean Water Act was
passed to help protect and preserve our nation's waters.
Rivers and Streams
There are about 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams in the U.S.A.
About 1/3 of these streams flow continually, and the rest flow intermittently and run dry
for a portion of the year. Rivers and streams are impacted by effluents discharged
directly into the water, and also by run off from activities occurring on land.
Lakes and
Reservoirs
There are about 41 million acres of lakes and reservoirs in the U.S.A.
Lakes and reservoirs are impacted by same types of pollutants affecting rivers and
streams. However, the impacts are often more severe, because lakes and reservoirs
don’t have the natural flushing action of rivers and streams.
Estuaries
Estuaries are coastal water bodies where fresh water and ocean water
mix. There are a total of more than 34,000 square miles of estuaries in the U.S.A.
Estuaries are very important as nursery areas for many marine species. They also provide
unique recreational areas. About half the US population lives along coastal area, so many
estuaries are severely impacted by pollution from human activities.
Ground Water
Ground water is found in aquifers beneath the earth’s surface.
Aquifers are replenished by interactions with streams and rivers, and by water that
filters through the soil. Aquifers are heavily used today for agriculture, industrial, and
drinking water needs. Aquifers provide about 1/4th of all the water used in the
US. Activities such as waste disposal, contaminated run-off, and the release of effluents
into surface waters can degrade the quality of ground water and endanger human health.
Wetlands
Wetlands include swamps, marshes and bogs. They play an important role
in replenishing ground water supplies. They also help to reduce flooding, and maintain
water quality in streams. Wetlands are important in supporting many varieties of wildlife.
Although there used to be more than 200 million acres of wetlands in colonial times, less
than 100 million acres of wetlands remain in the US today. Many natural wetlands have been
filled in and converted to agricultural or industrial uses. It is important that the
remaining wetlands be preserved and protected.
Clean Water Act
The purpose of the Clean Water Act is to help preserve and protect the
nation’s water resources, so that they will continue to be available for us and for
future generations.
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Page last updated: 07/22/99
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