Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What does the Clean Water Act (CWA) prohibit?

1. Excessive water usage

2. Pollution discharge without permit

3. Unregulated stormwater capture

4. Waste disposal into wetlands

The correct answer is: Pollution discharge without permit

The Clean Water Act (CWA) was established to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States and to ensure that surface waters meet quality standards. The prohibition against discharging pollutants without a permit is a fundamental tenet of the CWA. This requirement helps to control and minimize pollution, ensuring that water quality is maintained to protect human health and the environment. Permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) are mandatory for any entity that wishes to discharge pollutants into navigable waters, thereby creating a structured process that can monitor and regulate these activities. The act is designed to prevent unregulated and harmful discharges that can lead to ecological degradation, thus maintaining the integrity of water bodies across the country.