What legislation ensures standards for safe drinking water in the U.S.?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the legislation that specifically ensures standards for safe drinking water in the United States. Enacted in 1974 and amended several times since, the SDWA authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and enforce minimum health standards for drinking water. This legislation aims to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply, establishing criteria that must be met to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water.

Under the SDWA, the EPA sets national standards for various contaminants in drinking water to safeguard human health. These standards are critical in preventing health issues that can arise from contaminated water, such as gastrointestinal diseases, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. The Act also encourages states to develop their own drinking water standards that can be stricter than federal guidelines.

The other options, while all related to environmental policy, focus on different aspects of water and environmental protection. The Clean Water Act primarily addresses the quality of surface waters, the Water Quality Improvement Act deals with broader water quality improvements, and the Environmental Policy Act is centered on federal environmental assessments and policies rather than specifically on drinking water.