Join DEC's Division of Water in celebrating Water Week May 8 - 14. For almost 40 years, New York has set aside a full week in May to focus on its water resources, highlight water issues, and encourage stewardship. This year's theme is the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act.  

The Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) was the nation's first comprehensive water pollution control law. Its enactment still stands as a major milestone in the restoration and protection of our water resources. 

In New York, we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of water in our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands, as well as underground, for people to use and enjoy. Clean water is an asset to a community’s health and economic vitality. Thanks to the Clean Water Act, and the funding that came with it, cities and villages with once heavily polluted and unusable waterways are now making those same waters the focal points of their communities.

Today, our waters are much cleaner, but there is still work to be done. Fully restoring and protecting the health of New York's waters will continue to take vigilance, funding and collaborative efforts for research, planning and implementation of new technologies and practices.

For ideas on ways you can help protect and conserve our water resources, go to DEC’s Watershed Stewardship and Keep Water Clean webpages.