Surface water is all water that is naturally open to the atmosphere, such as lakes, rivers, seas and reservoirs. In addition to being an important source of drinking water and recreation, these waters are also vital parts of local and regional ecosystems. Surface water pollution can result from a number of sources, including dredging, stormwater runoff, ocean dumping and industrial wastewater discharges. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA sets and enforces total maximum daily loads for pollutants in assessed water bodies. The Agency also regulates dredging activities and ocean dumping sites and issues permits for stormwater sources.
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