Regulatory framework
The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating surface water quality standards.
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The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was passed by Congress in 1974, with amendments added in 1986 and 1996, to protect our drinking water. Under the SDWA, EPA sets drinking water quality standards and oversees states, local authorities, and water suppliers that enforce those standards.
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The objective of the Groundwater Standard (GWR) is to reduce the incidence of diseases associated with harmful microorganisms in drinking water. The GWR applies to public water supply systems that use groundwater as a source of drinking water.
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The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental effects of their proposed measures before making decisions.
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A bill to provide for the reform and continuation of the agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and for other purposes. Sections related to water: Art. 6101. Subsidies for water installations, waste disposal and wastewater.
Art. 6102. Technical assistance and training programs on water and wastewater in rural areas.
Art. 6103. Closed circuit water and wastewater program in rural areas.
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An Act to provide for water pollution control activities in the Public Health Service of the Federal Security Agency and in the Federal Works Agency, and for other purposes.
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Institutional Framework
The Office of Water (OW) ensures safe drinking water and restores and maintains oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife. wild.
OGWDW, together with states, tribes, and our many partners, protects public health by ensuring safe drinking water and protecting groundwater. We monitor the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
OWM supports the Clean Water Act by promoting effective and responsible water use, wastewater treatment, disposal and management, and encouraging watershed protection and restoration.
OWOW works to protect our freshwater ecosystems, estuaries, coasts and oceans, including watersheds and wetlands. We regulate and control ocean and ship discharges, and reduce aquatic litter and marine debris.
We lead on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition and other related issues, based on public policies, the best available science and effective management.
40 of 50 state water managers expect water shortages under average conditions in some part of their states over the next decade. Each American uses an average of 82 gallons of water per day at home (USGS, Estimated Water Use in the United States in 2015).Outdoor water use accounts for more than 30 percent of total household water use, on average, but can be as much as 60 percent of total household water use in arid regions.
United States of America
USGS
Links of interest:
If the average-sized lawn in the United States is watered for 20 minutes every day for 7 days, it is like running the shower constantly for 4 days or taking more than 800 showers. This is equivalent to the amount of water an average family needs to shower for a year.