What is the Clean Water Act?

Stormwater Compliance Experts Explain

Clean water is vital for our communities, ecosystems, and economy. If your business handles stormwater runoff, waste, sewage, or hazardous materials, staying compliant with federal water regulations – especially the Clean Water Act (CWA) – is critical to avoiding fines, legal issues, and environmental damage.

At iSTORMWATER, we help commercial property owners, contractors, municipalities, and industrial operators across the Mid-Atlantic region navigate the complexities of the Clean Water Act through expert stormwater management services.

📞 Call (410) 231-3455 today to schedule a consultation for stormwater compliance in Maryland, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Clean Water Act Overview

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law governing water pollution in the United States. Originally enacted as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948, the legislation was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972 – at which point it officially became known as the Clean Water Act.

The Act’s key objectives are to:

• Restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters
• Prevent point source pollution into “navigable waters” of the United States
• Fund wastewater treatment plants
  
• Set water quality standards for surface waters, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands

Under the Clean Water Act, it’s illegal to discharge pollutants – including stormwater carrying oil, debris, sediment, or chemicals – into U.S. waters without obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the CWA, often in partnership with state environmental agencies.

Why the Clean Water Act Matters to Your Business

Whether you’re involved in land development, industrial operations, commercial property management, or municipal planning, your activities could trigger CWA compliance requirements. Common regulated activities include:

• Construction that disturbs one acre or more of land
• Industrial operations that generate runoff or liquid waste
• Facilities with onsite stormwater drainage systems or retention ponds
• Projects near wetlands, streams, or other Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS)
  

Noncompliance Risks:

• Civil penalties of up to $66,712 per day, per violation (as of 2023)
• Stop-work orders or permit revocations
• Negative public perception and environmental impact

Businesses must assess their sites and operations for potential discharges and secure the proper NPDES permits where applicable.

How iSTORMWATER Helps Ensure Clean Water Act Compliance

iSTORMWATER offers comprehensive stormwater compliance services across the DMV region to help you meet federal, state, and local requirements while avoiding costly penalties.

We provide:

• ✅ Custom Stormwater Inspection & Maintenance Plans
  
• ✅ Erosion & Sediment Control Measures
  
• ✅ Aboveground and Underground Facility Maintenance
  
• ✅ Regulatory Documentation & Compliance Reports
  

With over 20 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of EPA and state-level regulations, we ensure your business stays ahead of the curve.

Schedule Stormwater Services in the Mid-Atlantic Today

Don’t leave Clean Water Act compliance up to chance. Trust the experts at iSTORMWATER to protect your property, the environment, and your bottom line. We serve commercial and industrial clients in Maryland, NorthernVirginia, Washington, D.C., and Delaware with reliable, tailored stormwater management solutions.

📞 Call (410) 231-3455 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Related Services:

• Stormwater Facility Maintenance
• Stormwater Inspections
• Sediment & Erosion Control
• Stormwater Violation Corrections