What does the acronym NPDES refer to?

The acronym NPDES stands for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This system is an essential component of the Clean Water Act, which was enacted to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States. NPDES permits control the quality of water by limiting the types and amounts of pollutants that can be released from point sources such as industrial, municipal, and agricultural facilities.

The NPDES program requires facilities that discharge wastewater into surface waters to obtain a permit. This ensures that the discharges comply with federal and state water quality standards, protecting water resources and public health. The emphasis on discharge elimination is crucial, as it promotes efforts to reduce pollution at the source rather than merely treating it after it has entered water bodies.

Understanding the NPDES is vital for those involved in water management and environmental protection, as it plays a key role in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.