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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

  • What is NPDES?

    The NPDES permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States.

    Created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program is authorized to state governments by EPA to perform many permitting, administrative, and enforcement aspects of the program.

  • NPDES Around the Nation

    Find NPDES permits in your state or territory

About
NPDES

  • Permit basics/FAQs
  • State program information
  • Permit limits
  • Program management and oversight
  • NPDES regulations
  • Other applicable federal laws
  • Clean Water Act
  • Flexibilities under CWA related to COVID-19
  • Keys to permitting success
  • Public Participation in the NPDES Permit Issuance Process (pdf) (828.93 KB)

Program
Areas

  • Animal feeding operations
  • Aquaculture
  • Industrial wastewater
  • Municipal wastewater
  • National pretreatment program
  • Pesticide permitting
  • Stormwater
  • Vessel discharges
  • All NPDES program areas

Technical
Resources

  • Resources for Permit Writers
  • Training
  • Tools
  • Electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI)
  • Applications and forms
  • Find NPDES permits in your state or territory

Explore the NPDES Permit Writers' Clearinghouse, a searchable database of permit writing resources

Rainfall Erosivity Factor Calculator for Small Construction Sites

Join NPDES News to receive updates on webinars, training, and publications.

New and Notable

  • Understanding Nutrient Management Plans Learning Modules
  • Off-Site Stormwater Management MS4 Compendium:  Compendium Part 7: Off-Site Stormwater Management (pdf) (1.08 MB)
  • Off-Site Stormwater Management
  • Addressing PFAS Discharges in EPA-Issued NPDES Permits and Expectations Where EPA is the Pretreatment Control Authority (pdf) (305.03 KB)
  • Technical Assistance Opportunity for CSO Communities
  • Low Flow Statistics Tools Handbook
  • FAQs for Control Authorities on Dental Rule
  • Final Rule Published in Federal Register: Public Notification Requirements for CSOs to the Great Lakes Basin
  • Online Training: Permit Writing Tips and Best Practices
  • Compendium of State Approaches for Manure Management
  • MS4 General Permit Remand Rule
  • Public Participation in the NPDES Permit Issuance Process (pdf) (828.93 KB)
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on February 16, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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