The Conforming Rule: The Waters of the United States
Author
Sarah Gimont
Upcoming Events
Related News
“Waters of the United States” is a phrase used in the Clean Water Act (CWA) to determine which waters are subject to federal jurisdiction. The CWA establishes the basic governance structure for pollution of the nation’s surface water, prohibiting the discharge of certain pollutants into “navigable waters,” which are defined as “waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.” However, the term waters of the United States, or WOTUS, is not further defined in the CWA. As such, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – the two agencies responsible for administering the CWA – have defined WOTUS in regulations.
The definition of WOTUS directly impacts county governments as owners and operators of local infrastructure. Counties are responsible for public safety water conveyances, municipal separate stormwater sewer systems (MS4), green infrastructure construction and maintenance projects, water reuse infrastructure and emergency management systems. Depending on whether a certain water meets the definition of WOTUS, counties may need to apply for a federal permit to maintain or build new infrastructure projects.
Advocacy Hub
Waters of the U.S. Action Center
Find the latest resources from NACo on Waters of the U.S.
Related News
U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program
U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program
Sherburne County and tribal nations collaborate on county park
Sherburne County, Minn. engaged tribal nations to revise its plans for a park that included a Native American burial ground.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes memo on protection of non-jurisdictional waters and wetlands
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers memo directs civil works actions on water and wetlands in response to recent Waters of the United States (WOTUS) changes.