National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (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

About
NPDES

• Permit basics/FAQs
• State program information
• Permit limits
• Program management and oversight
• NPDES regulations
• Applicable federal laws
• Flexibilities under CWA related to COVID-19
• Keys to permitting success

Program
Areas

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

Technical
Resources

• Resources for Permit Writers
• Training
• Tools
• Electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI)
• Applications and forms