Congressional Research Service | By: Jonathan L. Ramseur | GPE – October 03, 2017:
The collection and treatment of wastewater remains among the most important public health interventions in human history and has contributed to a significant decrease in waterborne diseases during the past century. Nevertheless, waste discharges from municipal sewage treatment plants into rivers and streams, lakes, and estuaries and coastal waters remain a significant source of water quality problems throughout the country.
Originally published September 22, 2017: The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes performance levels to be attained by municipal sewage treatment plants in order to prevent the discharge of harmful wastes into surface waters.
The act also provides financial assistance so that communities can construct treatment facilities and related equipment to comply with the law.
Although approximately $95 billion in CWA assistance has been provided since 1972, funding needs for wastewater infrastructure remain high.
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