EPA Proposes Revision of WOTUS in Clean Water Act Regulations

In the November 20, 2025 issue of the Federal Register, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments to the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act).

With this proposed rule, the EPA intends to provide greater regulatory clarity and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).

This proposed rule is also intended to implement the overall objective of the Clean Water Act to restore and maintain the quality of the Nation’s waters while respecting State and Tribal authority over their own land and water resources. Comments must be received by January 5, 2026.

Sources :

Updated Definition of Waters of the United States, 90 Fed. Reg. 52498 (Nov. 20, 2025).