Clean Water - It's the Law!

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Learning Objectives:

• Describe the serious state of U.S. water systems before the Clean Water Act was passed
• Summarize the importance of laws protecting the environment and natural resources, and the challenge of creating laws that are fair to all water users
• Discuss the concerns surrounding nonpoint sources pollution
• List ways that people can help minimize water pollution

Teacher Background:

In the United States, the health of natural water systems is protected primarily by the Clean Water Act, a federal law administered and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, significantly expanded the modest environmental regulations that had existed prior to that time. Shortly before the Clean Water Act passed, surveys indicated that two-thirds of the fresh waterways in the United States were too polluted for fishing or swimming. Many major rivers functioned as open dumps for industrial waste. Growing environmental awareness and degradation of human health, aquatic food sources, and recreation led to public support for the passage of laws to protect fresh water resources. In this lesson, students learn about local and national laws that regulate pollution created by individuals and businesses.

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