What is the purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act?

What is the purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act?

• A. To ban all sources of pollution
• B. To set maximum pollutant levels in public water systems
• C. To promote private water testing
• D. To regulate bottled water sales

Answer: (B)

The purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is primarily to ensure the safety of drinking water in public water systems. Under this federal law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with establishing maximum contaminant levels for various pollutants that may pose risks to public health. This includes setting standards for drinking water quality and overseeing states, localities, and water suppliers to ensure compliance with those standards. By focusing on maximum pollutant levels, the SDWA plays a crucial role in protecting public health by reducing or eliminating harmful substances in drinking water. This approach is essential for maintaining safe drinking water supplies and protecting communities from waterborne diseases and pollutants that could compromise public health. While the other options touch on aspects related to water safety and quality, they do not accurately represent the core purpose of the Act. The SDWA does not aim to ban all forms of pollution, promote private water testing directly, or specifically regulate bottled water sales, although it does influence broader water quality regulations and standards that could impact various water sources, including bottled water.

The purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is primarily to ensure the safety of drinking water in public water systems. Under this federal law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with establishing maximum contaminant levels for various pollutants that may pose risks to public health. This includes setting standards for drinking water quality and overseeing states, localities, and water suppliers to ensure compliance with those standards.

By focusing on maximum pollutant levels, the SDWA plays a crucial role in protecting public health by reducing or eliminating harmful substances in drinking water. This approach is essential for maintaining safe drinking water supplies and protecting communities from waterborne diseases and pollutants that could compromise public health.

While the other options touch on aspects related to water safety and quality, they do not accurately represent the core purpose of the Act. The SDWA does not aim to ban all forms of pollution, promote private water testing directly, or specifically regulate bottled water sales, although it does influence broader water quality regulations and standards that could impact various water sources, including bottled water.