Protect Water Quality

Water quality depends upon well-defined water quality standards and criteria, consistent and well-constructed monitoring and evaluation programs, and a legal framework that produces effective incentives to control public and private activities that may result in water pollution. ELI’s Water Quality Protection activities focus on the laws and implementation strategies that influence:

• The effectiveness of the federal Clean Water Act in improving water quality. ELI’s work includes projects to preserve broad national authority, improve water quality standards, identify impaired waters and address Total Maximum Daily Loads, strengthen permitting programs, control nonpoint sources and stormwater, and resolve wet weather issues.
• Innovation in state and local programs that can improve water quality. ELI examines state laws and local ordinances that address sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and land development; the connection between groundwater and surface water and its uses; and activities in coastal and riparian areas. We identify opportunities for state laws dealing with water quality, taxation, land use, funding, and other subjects to support water quality objectives.