Which act regulates domestic sewage or sanitary waste?

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary legislation that regulates the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States, including domestic sewage and sanitary waste. The CWA establishes the framework for regulating these discharges to protect water quality and ensure safe swimming and drinking water. Under the act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorized to set water quality standards and to require permits for discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

The CWA's focus on the management of wastewater, including treatment and discharge, makes it the central legislation relevant to managing domestic sewage. By instituting parameters for wastewater treatment and facilitating the regulation of sources discharging waste into waters, the CWA aims to minimize water pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.

In contrast, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) concerns the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste, not specifically sewage; the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulates drinking water quality, focusing on public health and water supply rather than wastewater treatment; and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates environmental assessments for federal projects, rather than specifically addressing wastewater regulations. Therefore, the Clean Water Act stands out as