The Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates the “waters of the United States” and criminalizes dumping waste, debris, and other forms of water pollution. The CWA covers rivers, lakes, and waterways that are publicly owned, privately owned, or otherwise protected by state and federal laws.
While the CWA does not always draw bright lines between what conduct constitutes a crime versus a civil violation, individuals or corporations that intentionally violate the CWA or try to hide their violations from the government are more likely to face criminal charges.