NEW DIRECTIONS IN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

While the nation has made considerable progress in restoring our surface waters over recent decades, many of our streams, lakes, and estuaries still are not of acceptable quality for their intended uses. EPA, States, and the regulated community are moving beyond traditional approaches to improving water quality. For example, we are focusing on non-traditional sources such as stormwater discharges and agricultural and other non-point sources. Many of the programs to address these sources are voluntary but regulatory programs continue to play a role. Additionally, there are new approaches to managing and financing facilities and a looming shortfall in public spending on environmental infrastructure.This paper explores five programs led by EPA's Office of Water that address today's environmental issues in wastewater management.