What does the acronym "CWA" stand for in environmental regulations?

The acronym "CWA" stands for the Clean Water Act. This landmark piece of legislation was originally enacted in 1972 in the United States to regulate the discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and to safeguard water quality. The primary goal of the CWA is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters, which includes rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Under the CWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to set water quality standards and enforce regulations aimed at reducing water pollution. The act has provided a framework for water quality improvement efforts, including permitting systems for pollutant discharges and funding for sewage treatment plants.

The other options present variations that do not accurately reflect the regulatory title or purpose. The Clean Water Association and the Crisis Water Act do not exist as formal regulatory measures in the same way, and the term "Contaminated Waters Act" is not a recognized piece of legislation.