Clean Water Act Section 404: A Critical Link in Protecting Our Nation's Waters

The drafters of the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), 33 U.S.C. §§1251 et seq. (amended as the Clean Water Act and hereinafter generally referred to as CWA), recognized the critical role that our wetlands, lakes, streams and bays play in maintaining our quality of life. These water bodies wetlands in particular hold the key to clean and abundant water supplies, sustainable fish and shellfish populations, and effective flood control and erosion control. They also provide sanctuaries for our continual recreation.