Knowing Discharge of a Pollutant in Violation of the Clean Water Act is an illegal act that involves the intentional release of pollutants into a body of water that is regulated by the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act, which was passed in 1972, is the primary tool for regulating water pollution in the United States. It sets limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into waterways, and prohibits the discharge of certain pollutants altogether. Knowing Discharge of a Pollutant in Violation of the Clean Water Act can be divided into two categories: direct discharge and indirect discharge. Direct discharge refers to the direct release of pollutants into a body of water and is illegal in most cases. Indirect discharge, on the other hand, occurs when pollutants are released into the environment through an activity that is not directly related to water pollution, such as runoff from a construction site or drainage from agricultural activities. This type of discharge is also illegal under the Clean Water Act. Both direct and indirect violations of the Clean Water Act are subject to severe civil and criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time. In addition, violators may be liable for cleanup costs and other damages caused by the pollution.