What are some key legislative acts that govern surface water quality?

The Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are all foundational pieces of legislation that play a critical role in regulating and protecting surface water quality in the United States.

The Clean Water Act is instrumental in establishing the framework for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and ensuring that surface waters meet specific quality standards necessary for protecting aquatic life and human health.

The Safe Drinking Water Act complements this by focusing specifically on the quality of drinking water and the protection of public health through the regulation of contaminants in public water systems.

NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. This means that any project that might impact surface waters would undergo an evaluation process that considers potential changes to water quality.

Together, these acts create a comprehensive legal structure that ensures the management and protection of both surface water and sources of drinking water, addressing multiple aspects of water safety and quality.