What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The Safe Drinking Water Act is a federal law designed specifically to ensure the protection of public drinking water supplies in the United States. Its primary focus is to establish standards for drinking water quality and to regulate the presence of contaminants that may pose a risk to human health. Under this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to implement regulations that limit the levels of specific pollutants in public water systems and to oversee the enforcement of these standards.

The act also emphasizes the importance of public water systems maintaining accountability and safety measures to keep water supplies safe for consumers. It includes provisions for monitoring, reporting, and protecting sources of drinking water, thereby ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding public health.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature and purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The act is not a state law or an international treaty, and it does not serve as a guideline for industrial waste disposal, which falls under different regulatory frameworks.