Updated 12/10/25

On Nov. 17, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) released their proposal for new rules governing the Waters of the US or WOTUS. The Waters of the US defines which rivers, wetlands, lakes, estuaries, and other water bodies are protected from pollution and destruction under the Clean Water Act (the Act).

A 2023 Supreme Court decision greatly reduced the number of wetlands and streams protected by the Act, now this proposed rule would further reduce the number of protected water bodies. Up to 80% of US wetlands and 5 million miles of streams could lose Clean Water Act protections if these rules go into effect.

Eliminating protections for a significant number of our country’s wetlands and streams would put at risk the crucial role that these waters play in safeguarding communities from pollution and flooding and protecting our health and safety. These water bodies: 

• Absorb and hold onto flood waters, protecting our communities from devastating floods
• Store water, making us more resilient to drought
• Filter out pollutants, keeping tens of millions of Americans’ drinking water sources clean and our rivers and lakes healthy for fishing, swimming, and boating
• Provide critical habitat for our nation’s treasured fish and wildlife

It’s clear people understand how these protections benefit us: more than 75% of Americans support strong federal protections for our waters.

Take Action

• Ask EPA and the Corps to listen to the more than 75% of people in this country who support strong federal protections for our communities, health, fishing, and recreation. The EPA and Corps are accepting public comments on their proposed rule changes through Jan. 5. You can submit comments via the Federal Register. They will also hold three public meetings in December, including a virtual public meeting on December 16, to gather input on the proposed rules.
• Join Clean Water for All’s Protect Our Waters campaign to join with others to strengthen clean water protections at the state and federal level.
• Be sure to sign up for River Network’s monthly newsletters for updates and other resources related to the Clean Water Act and other clean water policy updates.

Statements on the Proposed Waters of the US Rule Changes:

• Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
• American Rivers
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• National Wildlife Federation
• Trout Unlimited