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Web Standard: Web Area URLs

Definitions

URLs are Universal Resource Locators, the address where a website lives.
This standard refers to www.epa.gov only.
The URLs will be in the form: https://www.epa.gov/web-area-name/page-title
WebCMS automatically creates the URL based on the short name (defined after ODC approval when the web area is created).
- A different URL (called a 'URL overwrite') can be created, if desired.
- Any name change requires approval by ODC.

Content Requirements

Each web area can only have one URL.
- There will not be multiple URLs for the same web area.
Use all lowercase letters. The URL will be changed automatically to lowercase if typed with any uppercase letters.
- Using mixed- or uppercase causes issues for search engines, users, and analytics tracking.
Use descriptive words. You want people to find the site using search.

Examples

Water Research can be: (pick one)
- /water-research/
- /waterresearch/
- /h2oresearch/
CAMEO (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) can be: (pick one)
- /computer-aided-management-emergency-operations/
- /cameo/

About this Standard

All EPA public web content must adhere to all federal requirements including; the EPA Web Standards, the U.S. Web Design System guidelines, federal plain language guidelines, and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. Internal content, including Intranet and Microsoft 365, may differ from the public content. If not explicitly stated, content must adhere to all federal requirements.

Original effective date: 11/14/2012
Last approved on: 04/13/2022
Web Council review by: 04/13/2025 (or earlier if deemed necessary)