The Clean Water Act of 1948 & 1972

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Clean Water Act, its purpose and benefits. Also included in the paper are examples of noticeable improvements made as a result of the CWA.

The Clean Water Act of 1948 & 1972

The Clean Water Act was established in 1948 for the purpose of regulating the treatment and discharge of wastewater. The focus of the CWA is to rid the waterways of high levels of pollutants. The groundwater pollution is not necessarily covered under the Clean Water Act as it is covered under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The plight of the CWA is to provide protection for water that becomes polluted by two sources; point and non-point sources. The CWA implemented the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System in order to regulate the sources of pollution such as industrial facilities. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2012)

There are 6 provisions made possible by the CWA. The first major provision of the CWA was the Research and related programs which authorized the use of pollution control programs as well as grants. The second provision put in place by the CWA was the use of grants for the purpose of assisting municipalities in their expansion of sewage treatments plants. Enforcements and high level standards of maintenance, the third provision, defined the guidelines, criteria for the quality of water as well as the enforcement of fines for those breaking the CWA regulations. The fourth provision installed by the CWA was the use of permits and licenses for the purpose of providing affirmation that the states must certify that the discharges authorized by their respective permits do not in any way violate the standards of quality. The fifth provision was put in place to allow citizens to file grievances or lawsuits as well as the protection around whistleblowing when employees feel the need to report obstructions made by their employers. The final provision is the established water pollution fund that is controlled by the State. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2012)

The CWA was implemented in order to stop the dumping that was taking place in the nation's harbor. Upon initial installment of the CWA, it was initially termed the Federal Water Pollution Control Act until significant reorganization occurred in 1972. After 1972, the name became Clean Water Act following the 1972 amendments. The permit program was recognized as such a huge benefit that it led to the creation of the CWA. The strategic background associated with the implementation of the CWA after 1972 was to ensure that there were regulations in place for handling limitations associated with technology. Anytime the need arose for quality standards to be defined for any particular lake, the permit limitations would become even more strict and defining. In 1987, an amendment was made to the CWA establishing section 319 called Nonpoint Source Management Program for the purpose of ensuring that stronger and better federal leadership