Clean Water Act: Purpose, Goals & Impact - Environmental Protection Agency

- To provide assistance to states to identify and alleviate water pollution problems.

- To improve water quality by controlling the discharge of pollutants into waterways.

- To restore public trust in the nation’s waters by ensuring that they are safe for swimming, fishing, and drinking.

- To protect vulnerable waters from development that could threaten water quality.

- To promote the use of sound science in water quality management decisions.

- To foster cooperation between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private citizens and organizations, in addressing water pollution challenges.