Which federal agency administers the Clean Water Act?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the Clean Water Act, which was enacted to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the nation's waterways and to ensure the quality of surface waters throughout the country. The EPA's role involves establishing water quality standards, overseeing state-level implementation, and enforcing compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act.

The act empowers the EPA to set limits on pollutant discharges and addresses issues such as wetland protection and the regulation of wastewater treatment facilities. The agency's focus on safeguarding water resources is critical for protecting public health and the environment, making it distinct and authoritative in this realm.

Other federal agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Interior, have important roles in environmental and natural resource management but do not have the specific mandate to administer the Clean Water Act. Each of these agencies has different responsibilities that do not directly include the regulatory enforcement of water quality standards established by the Clean Water Act.