Which agency is responsible for enforcing the Clean Water Act?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for enforcing the Clean Water Act. This Act is a fundamental piece of environmental legislation in the United States, aiming to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the waterways and to establish water quality standards for all surface waters. The EPA's role includes overseeing state and local water programs, conducting inspections to ensure compliance, and taking enforcement actions when necessary.

By operating under this framework, the EPA works to protect the nation's waters from contamination, ensuring both ecological health and human safety. This involves not only regulatory enforcement but also providing guidance, resources, and support to help various stakeholders understand and comply with the law. Other agencies listed have specific roles regarding natural resources or different aspects of environmental governance, but none hold the enforcement authority of the Clean Water Act like the EPA does.