Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, what is set for pollutants that may have adverse effects on human health?

• A. It sets maximum contaminant levels for pollutants that may have adverse effects on human health.
• B. It regulates water temperature standards.
• C. It controls agricultural runoff.
• D. It enforces labeling requirements.

Answer: (A)

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires enforceable limits on drinking water contaminants that may affect health, called maximum contaminant levels. These levels set the highest amount of a pollutant that is allowed in public water supplies, based on health risk assessments and what treatment can realistically achieve. They’re the actual standards water systems must meet to protect people. The act also uses nonenforceable health goals and, for some contaminants, treatment techniques, but the key health-based limit you’re asked about is the maximum contaminant level. Choices about regulating water temperature, controlling agricultural runoff, or labeling requirements aren’t the health-based drinking-water limits defined by this act.