What does the 1987 Water Quality Act aim to support?

The 1987 Water Quality Act emphasizes support for state and local efforts to clean polluted runoff, which is a critical aspect of maintaining and improving water quality in the United States. This Act was designed to address nonpoint source pollution, which comes from various diffuse sources rather than a single point of discharge, such as stormwater runoff or agricultural practices. By empowering states and local entities, the Act facilitates the implementation of management practices and programs aimed at reducing pollutants entering water bodies, enhancing the ability to restore and protect water quality in local ecosystems. This support is vital for encouraging more sustainable land use practices and improving the overall health of watersheds.