Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Congress enacted the CWA to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, after decades of severe pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The CWA reorganized and greatly expanded the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948, which had been ineffective. The 1972 amendments created enforceable standards and permit systems.