Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) refers to a legal definition used by the U.S. government to determine which bodies of water fall under federal regulation. This includes rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams that may impact navigable waters or the quality of water. The significance of WOTUS lies in its role in environmental protection, as it governs how these waters are managed, preserved, and protected from pollution. Changes to this definition can influence regulations regarding land use, agriculture, and industry, impacting both environmental conservation efforts and economic activities.