Advocacy & Enforcement

When local agencies refuse to prevent water pollution, we will.

The biggest threat to water quality is stormwater pollution from industrial facilities.

Stormwater runs untreated into our storm drains when it rains, eventually finding its way into our waters. Runoff from industrial facilities results in extremely high levels of pollution and toxins in our stormwater. When polluted stormwater empties into our rivers and lakes, our wildlife, economy, and public health becomes at risk.

 

Waterkeeper turns to the law to prevent these impacts through our enforcement of the Clean Water Act.

With a 100% success rate, Waterkeeper’s enforcement program has helped 60+ facilities come into compliance and garnered settlements from these cases for environmental projects to mitigate the harm caused by the defendant’s discharge.

Waterkeeper closely tracks local, state, and federal laws to ensure our waters and watersheds are protected.

In addition to enforcing clean water laws on industrial polluters, Waterkeeper continually advocates to improve our water regulations.

Under the Clean Water Act, water regulations are supposed to get stronger. When creating the Clean Water Act, the US EPA included an anti-backsliding provision that prevents the weakening of permits that protect and improve water quality.

However, without an organization like IE Waterkeeper in the conversation, polluters and permittees often attempt to weaken regulation.

We advocate for stronger local, state, and federal water laws.

Current Issues

Regional MS4 Permit

The Most Important Permit You’ve Never Heard Of

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Cadiz

Something Clever

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