A National Agenda for Clean Water: Prevent, Protect and Enforce

A broad-based alliance of national, regional and local groups has come together as the Clean Water Network to protect and strengthen the federal Clean Water Act. Significant improvements in the law are needed to clean up and protect the nation's surface and ground waters from contamination and to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

The Network has developed an agenda for clean water. This agenda has three key element: pollution prevent, ecosystem protection, and strengthening enforcement of the Clean Water Act by closing the loopholes in the law:

1. Prevent Pollution and Achieve Zero Discharge
    Key Elements:

• Eliminate the use and release of toxic pollutants.
• Prevent polluted runoff ("nonpoint source pollution").
• Eliminate toxic releases into sewage treatment plants.
• Protect groundwater.
• Stop raw sewage discharges.

2. Protect Critical Ecosystems
    Key Elements:

• Protect Wetlands.
• Protect aquatic ecosystems.
• Prevent and clean up sediment contamination .
• Keep clean waters clean.
• Conserve and reuse water.
• Protect significant regional ecosystems

3. Enforce the Law: Protect People
    Key Elements:

• Esure public right to know.
• Improve and enforce water quality standards.
• Stengthen enforcement and accountability.
• Fund clean water programs adequately.
• Create jobs and protect workers.

Related Downloads: 

National Agenda for Clean Water.pdf