The Clean Water Act at 40: Taking Action to Keep California Waters Drinkable, Swimmable and Fishable

The Clean Water Act was signed into law in 1972 by President Richard Nixon, setting our nation on a course to clean up its severely polluted waters. Much has been accomplished in the last 40 years to clean up many egregious pollution sources. However, a growing U.S. population coupled with persistent and emerging new pollutants threatens to derail the progress we’ve made. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently found that California waters exhibiting overall toxicity increased by 170 percent from 2006 to 2010. Now is the time to take action.

The Clean Water Act’s 40th anniversary this year affords a unique opportunity to focus attention on the importance of swimmable, drinkable and fishable waters to all Californians health and economic well-being. We are asking you to join us by participating in Clean Water Action “SPLASH” Days that are taking place in across California as part of a national Clean Water Act 40 Campaign. View this compelling short video on how this vital law for protecting public health is under threat by Congress, what actions we are taking during the Clean Water Act 40 Campaign and most importantly, what you can do to make a difference. We will be posting information on specific events coming to your community in the coming months.