The EPA Clean Lakes Program was initiated in 1975 to protect publicly-owned freshwater lakes under Section 314 of the Clean Water Act. A review of the first decade of the Program by Battelle Memorial Institute highlights the accomplishments of the Clean Lakes Program, the results of federally funded projects and recommendations for the future. From 1975 to 1985, EPA funded 313 Clean Lakes studies and projects totaling $93 million in federal dollars. Forty-seven states and Puerto Rico participated. The majority of funds (87 percent) was awarded to lake restoration projects. The remainder was used for lake classification studies and diagnostic feasibility studies. Public concern about lake eutrophication was the most significant factor in prompting action that resulted in restoration. The Program has improved water quality nationwide; examples of public and economic benefits are cited. In addition, the Clean Lakes Program has contributed to the science of lake restoration through a better public and scientific understanding of lake eutrophication, detailed information on successful restoration measures and the development of new restoration techniques.