What is the primary goal of the Clean Water Act concerning wastewater treatment?

The primary goal of the Clean Water Act is to maintain and restore the integrity of water bodies. This piece of legislation, enacted in 1972, was designed to protect U.S. waters by regulating the discharge of pollutants and ensuring that the nation's waters are fishable and swimmable. It aims to restore the quality of water in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, which includes promoting the reduction of pollution and improving water quality through various means, such as the establishment of water quality standards and permit systems for discharges.

The focus on the integrity of water bodies encompasses a broad range of issues, including the need to reduce contaminants and protect ecosystems. While eliminating all wastewater discharge may seem like a good goal, it is not practical or achievable; instead, the Act emphasizes managing discharges to meet specific quality standards. Increasing the profitability of water treatment plants does not align with the primary purpose of protecting water quality, and while managing agricultural runoff is certainly a concern under the broader umbrella of water quality management, it is not the central aim of the Clean Water Act.