Abstract |
Clean Water is the goal of all Office of Wastewater Management programs. Overall, our programs are designed to ensure that not only is our water safe to drink, but that our surface waters and aquatic ecosystems protect public health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide a healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife. OWM supports EPA's goals for clean and safe water and healthy communities and ecosystems. While OWM helps regulate and promote effective and responsible wastewater treatment, our programs consist of more than just wastewater management: (1) Since its inception, more than 20 years ago, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs have provided more than 30,000 low-interest loans for wastewater treatment, control of nonpoint source pollution, and estuary protection. (2) Through WaterSense, we are helping to raise national awareness of water as a scarce resource; encourage water efficiency among utilities, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers; and make it easy for consumers to find products and services that save water while ensuring product performance. (3) Under our Sustainable Infrastructure Program, OWM is promoting widespread adoption of better management practices, water efficiency, full-cost pricing, and watershed approaches to reduce costs and increase system investments. (4) Through our Sustainable Communities Program, OWM is targeting technical and financial assistance with our partners to support infrastructure development and the resulting reduced health risks and increased economic opportunity to small and underserved communities that face a disproportionate lack of access to sufficient wastewater treatment. (5) Our Stormwater Program oversees the control of stormwater runoff through the issuance of NPDES stormwater permits and provides outreach and support to EPA Regions and states on issuance and oversight of those permits. |