# 40 C.F.R. § 120.1 (2026): Purpose and scope

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T40_P120_S120_1

## Section

- **Citation:** 40 C.F.R. § 120.1 (2026)
- **Heading:** Purpose and scope
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 40 CFR: Protection of Environment / Chapter I / Part 120 / § 120.1: § 120.1   Purpose and scope.

## Text

This part contains the definition of “waters of the United States” for purposes of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. and its implementing regulations. EPA regulations implementing the Clean Water Act use the term “navigable waters,” which is defined at section 502(7) of the Clean Water Act as “the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas,” or the term “waters of the United States.” In light of the statutory definition, the definition in this section establishes the scope of the terms “waters of the United States” and “navigable waters” in EPA's regulations. [88 FR 3143, Jan. 18, 2023]

## Nearby sections

- [40 C.F.R. § 120.1 (2026) § 120.1   Purpose and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T40_P120_S120_1.md)
- [40 C.F.R. § 120.2 (2026) § 120.2   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T40_P120_S120_2.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T40_P120_S120_1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.