Water Quality


GSFC's Environmental Commitment

The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 drives Water Management Programs at Goddard Space Flight Center.

The Clean Water Act was enacted to govern the control of water pollution in the nation and it also established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program. The CWA also established a program to regulate certain non-transportation related aboveground and underground oil storage tanks. The objective of the act is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters.

GSFC has three main water systems: the incoming water supply, or domestic water; along with two outgoing water systems, the sanitary and storm sewers. As an employee, you interact with each of these systems on a daily basis, probably without even realizing it. As stewards of the Center’s lands and environmental assets, all of us must be informed of their importance and make responsible decisions to protect and conserve these valuable resources. For more information, see Three Water Systems and You.

For questions related to drinking water, please visit the Center’s drinking water page.


Program Contacts

Lori Levine 301-286-6741 (Oil Operations/Tank Program; Clean Water Programs - general storm water discharges, erosion and sediment control)

Janine Pollack 301-286-0509 (Clean Water Programs – groundwater appropriations; NPDES and sanitary sewer industrial discharges)