The Clean Water Act is controversial not because of its overarching goal–clean water–but because achieving that goal requires impeding development along waterways and placing limits on industry that discharge pollutants into water bodies. Recent activity seek to narrow protections that impact Tribal waters.

Tribes use the CWA to safeguard water quality for ceremonies, fisheries, and other Tribal needs as an act of governance and sovereignty. This overview covers the Act, its programs, Tribal delegation of authority, and how Tribes can protect reservation waters.