Enforcement National Enforcement Initiatives

Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of Our Nation's Waters

Boom captures litter and other debris carried by stormwater

Problem

Raw sewage overflows and inadequately controlled stormwater discharges from municipal sewer systems introduce a variety of harmful pollutants, including disease causing organisms, metals and nutrients that threaten our communities' water quality and can contribute to disease outbreaks, beach and shellfish bed closings, flooding, stream scouring, fishing advisories and basement backups of sewage.

EPA is taking enforcement action at municipal sewer systems with Clean Water Act violations to reduce pollution and volume of stormwater runoff and to reduce unlawful discharges of raw sewage that degrade water quality in communities.

Fast Fact:

Green infrastructure helps reduce the water quality impacts of heavy rains and snow melts and is cost-effective
and sustainable. Examples include: green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and revitalization of vacant lots.

Goal

EPA will take action to reduce raw sewage overflows and storm water discharges from municipal sewer systems that pose a significant threat to water quality and public health.

Enforcement Cases

Progress on Enforcement and Compliance Activities

The following maps and charts show EPA's progress in targeting the largest municipalities to reduce stormwater runoff and unlawful discharges of raw sewage.