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Water Law - United States Federal Resources

Introduction

U.S. Water Laws and Regulations, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Water Laws

Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq. (1972)

Coastal Zone Act Management Act of 1972, especially Section 6217, Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program

Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §300f et seq. (1974)

Related U.S. Laws

There are many federal laws and regulations that affect water quality, distribution and managment. Below are just a few of the most significant. For a more comprehensive list, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Water Laws, Regulations and Treaties page.

Endangered Species Act

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act

North American Wetlands Conservation Act

Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bioterrorism Act), Title IV

Executive Orders

Other Resources

Federal Reserved Water Rights and State Law Claims, U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division

"An Introduction to Water Law", U.S. Library of Congress, March 27, 2014

Water Law Overview, National Agricultural Law Center