Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

Waters of the United States (WOTUS) defines the federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act | Learn More >

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are currently revising this definition through rulemaking | Learn More >

ADEQ recognizes there is a decades long debate around what is and is not a WOTUS and supports efforts for additional clarity, data, information and processes to fully evaluate waters. During EPA efforts to redefine WOTUS, ADEQ has conducted stakeholder outreach and submitted comments to the EPA | View Comments >

For future ADEQ communications and outreach regarding WOTUS, you can sign up for email notifications | Subscribe to Receive Updates >

In 2022, ADEQ is also conducting rulemaking for a State Surface Water Protection Program. Arizona recognized a “local control approach” was needed to ensure consistent protection of our state’s important water resources if protection changes at the federal level | Learn More >