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Pollution Control

Pollution Control

Water pollution prevention and control measures are critical to improving water quality and reducing the need for costly wastewater and drinking water treatment. Because water pollution can come from many different sources, a variety of pollution prevention and control measures are needed.

 

Green Infrastructure / Low Impact Development

Green infrastructure and low impact development approaches and techniques help manage water and water pollutants at the source, preventing or reducing the impact of development on water and water quality. Learn about these cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly approaches to wet weather management.

Impaired Waters and Total Maximum Daily Loads

States, territories, and tribes must protect water bodies and to address water bodies that do not meet water quality standards (i.e., impaired waters). Find information on regulations, guidance, and technical resources relating to impaired waters and TMDLs.

NPDES Permit Program

EPA's national Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program plays an important role in minimizing the wastes and pollution load released into receiving bodies. Find basic information on the major features and elements of the NPDES permit program.

Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution)

Polluted runoff is caused by rainfall and snowmelt moving over and through the ground that, picks up and carries with it natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water. Find information on managing nonpoint source pollution.

Sediments

Sediments are fragmented materials that originate from weathering and erosion of rocks or unconsolidated deposits and are transported by, suspended in, or deposited by water.

Source Water Protection

Find information about the efforts of public water systems, communities, resource managers and the public to protect the lakes, rivers, aquifers, and other waterbodies that provide our drinking water.

Stormwater

Stormwater runoff is generated when rain and snowmelt do not soak into the ground but flow over land or impervious surfaces, accumulating pollutants that could adversely affect water quality. This page provides technical and regulatory information about the NPDES storm water program.

Vessel Sewage Discharges

Sewage discharge from commercial and recreational boats poses a hazard to human health and the ecosystem. Find information about vessel sewage discharge and learn what you can do to help curb the problem.

Wastewater Programs

EPA's Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) oversees a range of programs contributing to the well-being of the nation's waters and watersheds. Learn about OWM programs that promote compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act through effective and responsible water use, treatment, disposal, and management and by encouraging the protection and restoration of our watersheds.

Watershed Management

Our individual actions can directly affect the watersheds we live in. Discover ways you can help protect our water resources.