Water pollution can be reduced in two general ways:     - Prevent water from becoming polluted in the first place.     - Treat water that has already become polluted.     In the U.S., the Clean Water Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to address water pollution in both ways. The agency is charged with setting standards for water quality, reducing the discharge of pollution into waterways, and managing runoff. The EPA is also charged with financing construction of wastewater treatment plants. Since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1972, more wastewater... Show more

Water pollution can be reduced in two general ways:    
- Prevent water from becoming polluted in the first place.    
- Treat water that has already become polluted.    

In the U.S., the Clean Water Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to address water pollution in both ways. The agency is charged with setting standards for water quality, reducing the discharge of pollution into waterways, and managing runoff. The EPA is also charged with financing construction of wastewater treatment plants. Since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1972, more wastewater treatment plants have been built and the release of wastes into the water supply is better controlled.    
Internationally, the United Nations and other international groups are working to improve global water quality. They provide technology for treating water. They also educate people on how to protect and improve the quality of the water they use.    

There are several things that individuals can do to protect water quality:    
- Find approved recycling or disposal facilities for motor oil and household chemicals rather than pouring them down the drain or into a gutter.    
- Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.    
- Repair automobile and boat engine leaks immediately.    
- Keep pet litter and wastes, leaves, and grass clippings out of street gutters and storm drains.    

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