Clean Water Act

Antidegradation limits incremental lowering of water quality in lakes, rivers, and wetlands when applied during a permit review process. Any lowering of water quality must be found to be necessary to avoid substantial economic and social impacts. However, the surface water’s uses and values established in State law, such as swimming, boating, and fishing, must always be maintained and protected. Also included among those uses and values are the use of a surface water by fish, wildlife, and other living things, as well as the physical habitat that supports aquatic life. 

Vermont is participating in the 2022 National Clean Watersheds Needs Survey.  The survey starts March 1, 2022 and ends April 28, 2023 and performed by US EPA with participation from all of the States.  The survey collects reports and cost information for all of the projects that are planned and needed by states and municipalities to comply with our Clean Water Act obligations. EPA will then compile the survey information and create a report to Congress.

Upcoming Meetings

Subscribe to the Clean Water Stakeholder Listserv or visit the DEC calendar to be notified of upcoming Clean Water Board meetings.​

Vermont waterways nurture ecosystem wellbeing, supply safe drinking water, strengthen tourism, buoy property values, and provide recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, and boating.