The Clean Water Act was passed by Congress on October 18, 1972. The purpose of this law was to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution in our nation’s waterways.
Thinking back, I recall television public service announcements (PSAs) from that period that specifically encouraged not littering because our discarded soda cans and debris were contaminating our waterways. So I always thought the Clean Water Act was the result of the need for each of us to take more responsibility for the care and protection of our lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Fast forward 50 years, and I discovered that the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, more commonly known as the Clean Water Act, originated to combat chemical discharge into our nation’s waterways and to improve sewage treatment. Interestingly, this piece of legislation has impacted both individual and corporate water pollution over the years.
I am happy to announce that from mid-September to mid-October, the library will host an informational exhibit titled “Wonder About Your Water?” made possible by SCARCE . The exhibit combines facts, pictures, and flyers about protecting our water and waterways. Please come to the library to experience the exhibit! Additional information about the Clean Water Act is available at the library.