Clear into the Future




	IMPORTANCE OF THE RIVER History of the River History of Hagley The River's Uses About the Estuary The Impact of the River on Commerce THE WORKING RIVER Interview with the People Working on the River History of Delaware Ports Delaware River Cargo Map of Delaware River Ports How Do Ports Function THE LIVING RIVER The Species in and Around the River Challenges Facing our Estuary Community About the Clean Water Act National Estuary Programs How Can I Help Delaware Costal Conditions About Watersheds

Subscribe to the
Clear into the Future Newsletter.

About the Clean Water Act

Protecting and appreciating the species that call the Delaware Estuary home is a Clear into the Future Initiative goal. We also believe that arming our community with knowledge is just as important.

"For these individuals and groups, the Clean Water Act, mandates the identification and protection of waters in each state, and is one of the most important tools they will ever have." — President Jimmy Carter

One of the many governmental regulations established to protect our waterways is the Clean Water Act(CWA). Developed in 1977 to protect waterways across the United States, the act works to eliminate pollution and waste discard. This amendment to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to create a structure for regulating pollution and to set water quality standards for each state.

Clean Water Act - Quick View

• Established the basic structure for regulating pollutants and discharges into U.S. waters.

• Granted the EPA the authority to impose pollution control programs (ie. Water Quality standards).

• Reinforced existing requirements to set water quality standards in surface waters.

• Made it unlawful for any unlicensed person to discharge pollutants into navigable waters.

• Helped construct sewage treatment plants.

What are Water Quality Standards?

The CWA mandated the use of the water quality-based control programs. If water quality is deemed impaired(polluted),the EPA can amend the states permit and request additional controls.

Water Quality Standards in our Estuary Community:

Delaware Surface Water Quality Standards (PDF) (48 pages, 211 K)

New Jersey Water Quality Standards (PDF) (117 pages, 536 K)

Pennsylvania Water Quality Standards (PDF) (244 pages, 662K)

Visit the EPA’s website to find water quality standards for additional states and territories.