The maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) under the Safe Drinking Water Act are designed to protect the safety of which resource?

The maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) under the Safe Drinking Water Act are designed to protect the safety of which resource?

• A. Groundwater used for irrigation
• B. Rainwater
• C. Drinking water
• D. Surface water

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that maximum contaminant levels are enforceable limits designed to keep drinking water safe for people. These standards set the allowable concentrations of contaminants in water that is supplied for human consumption, so the water people actually drink remains healthy. That’s why the correct choice is drinking water—the resource these MCLs are protecting. Groundwater used for irrigation, rainwater, and surface water may relate to water quality in other contexts, but MCLs specifically target what ends up as drinking water for the public.

The main idea is that maximum contaminant levels are enforceable limits designed to keep drinking water safe for people. These standards set the allowable concentrations of contaminants in water that is supplied for human consumption, so the water people actually drink remains healthy. That’s why the correct choice is drinking water—the resource these MCLs are protecting. Groundwater used for irrigation, rainwater, and surface water may relate to water quality in other contexts, but MCLs specifically target what ends up as drinking water for the public.