What is the focus of the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The focus of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is on establishing and enforcing standards for the quality of drinking water in the United States. This legislation aims to protect public health by regulating the levels of contaminants found in drinking water. Specifically, the SDWA gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set national health-based standards for drinking water to ensure that water supply systems deliver safe, potable water to consumers.

By emphasizing contaminant levels, the act safeguards public health from potential hazards that can arise from unsafe drinking water. These contaminants can include pathogens, chemicals, and other harmful substances that could adversely affect human health when ingested.

In contrast, the other options mentioned do not align with the primary objectives of the SDWA. Regulation of agricultural water supply pertains more to farming practices and resource management rather than direct drinking water safety; physical infrastructure of water systems focuses on the physical aspects of water supply systems rather than contaminant levels; water resource management practices involve broader strategies and policies concerning water use and conservation, which is not the main focus of the SDWA.