Celebrate 50 Years of Clean Water!

50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act

Water is life. We need clean water for our health and the health of our communities, our ecosystems, and even our economies. October 18, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. For the last five decades, we have made huge strides throughout our country in protecting clean water due in large part to the Clean Water Act. As we look ahead to the next fifty years, the National Park Service is committed to preserving and protecting clean water in our national parks. As the major pollutants change from discharge from factories to emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals in our waste, plastics in our waterways, and runoff from agricultural fields, we must continuously reassess if our waters are truly clean and make plans for what we can do to protect them for the benefit of future generations.

water flowing down a small waterfall

NPS / Dave Restivo

The Clean Water Act

Think of a time when you experienced clean water. Whether boating on a meandering river, taking a dip to cool off in the heat of summer, or fishing with family and friends comes to mind, these memories may not have been possible without the Clean Water Act. Fifty years ago, many of our waterways were polluted. In 1969, just north of what is now Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cleveland, Ohio, the river actually caught on fire and it wasn’t the first time that had happened! The story of the 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire was circulated widely and spurred awareness and growing concern for controlling water pollution. In 1972, the Clean Water Act was established in part because of this shift in public opinion.

The objective of the Clean Water Act is to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters” in order to achieve the “goal of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water.” (CWA § 101) Thanks to the Clean Water Act, water quality has greatly improved across the country. In our parks and our communities, we are able to enjoy all the benefits that access to clean water brings—from being able to recreate in and on the water to healthy aquatic ecosystems that support a myriad of organisms (including us!). How do you think you benefit from clean water?

Find out more about the Clean Water Act.

What We Do

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead agency on the Clean Water Act, the National Park Service works in tandem with EPA and other agencies and partners to protect clean water in and around parks. Here are just a few examples of how we are working to protect clean water in parks:

What You Can Do

Protecting clean water is a job for us all. We all have a role to play in helping preserve water quantity and quality across the country and the world! Help us celebrate 50 years of the Clean Water Act by protecting clean water in parks and at home, learning about aquatic ecosystems, and exploring clean water in national parks.

Protect!

  • a bright turquoise blue stream flowing through a mossy canyon
    In Parks!

    Find out how you can take action to preserve water quantity and quality when you visit parks.

  • a water bottle being filled at an outdoor water bottle filling station
    At Home!

    Get some tips on how to conserve water where you live by making small changes at home!

Learn!

  • a winding river through a mountain valley
    Rivers

    Hundreds of rivers are located in the national parks, protecting both the river and land areas surrounding them. Discover a river near you!

  • Trees in a wetland with clear reflection in the water
    Wetlands

    Wetlands are the links between land and water. Discover this unique and important habitat for plants and animals.

  • a snorkeler points out coral to a young snorkeler in shallow water
    Oceans, Coasts, & Seashores

    Coral reefs, kelp forests, beaches, estuaries, islands, and more! These 88 ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes parks have so much to explore.

Explore!

  • A man fly fishes in a river
    Fish & Fishing

    Fish need healthy aquatic ecosystems to survive and thrive. Discover opportunities to experience fish and fishing in national parks.

  • a boy in a lifejacket paddles a canoe on a lake
    Boating & Watersports

    National parks feature some of the most pristine waters in the U.S. These rivers, lakes, and oceans are a great source of recreation.

  • A kayak paddles through whitewater
    Recreate Responsibly

    With your help, we can enjoy our national parks while preserving them for future generations. Learn how you can recreate responsibly.

Last updated: September 27, 2022

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