What is the main goal of the Clean Water Act?

The primary aim of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters. This encompasses addressing various water quality issues and ensuring that the nation’s water bodies are protected for both ecological health and recreational use. The Act establishes the framework and regulations needed to control pollutant discharges and improve water quality across rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

While eliminating all water pollution may be an idealistic goal, the practical reality is much more nuanced, considering the complexity of various pollution sources and their management. Improving water quality for human consumption is important, but it is part of the broader objective of maintaining water integrity, which accounts for ecological principles, sustainability, and recreational needs. Regulating the cost of water utilities, while a critical issue in broader water resource management, falls outside the specific focus of the Clean Water Act's goals and mandates.