Waters of the United States is a federal regulatory term whose scope is determined through applicable law and agency processes.
Definition
Waters of the United States, often abbreviated WOTUS, is a term used in federal water regulation to describe waters within the scope of specified federal requirements. Its meaning depends on the applicable legal and regulatory framework and relevant agency decisions. A site feature cannot be classified from a label or map alone; project teams may need site evidence and a review through the appropriate process. A civil engineering firm's scope might include screening, mapping, permit support, or coordination, but owners should check the contract for the specific tasks and limits. Regulatory status can affect project alternatives and approvals, so the question is tied to the project's location and facts. WOTUS is not a general synonym for all water, wetlands, or waters regulated by state or local authorities. The EPA provides federal environmental program information; project-specific determinations rely on the applicable process.
How owners use it
- Owners identify the regulatory question and responsible agency when budgeting environmental review for a site.
- Project managers separate screening or mapping tasks from agency submissions and permit work in the scope.
- A site has 2 mapped features, and field review excludes 1 from further evaluation; 2 - 1 = 1 feature remains to assess.
- During alternatives review, teams note where a jurisdictional question may affect layout or approval steps.
