What is the focus of the Surface Water Treatment Rule?

The Surface Water Treatment Rule focuses on reducing illnesses caused by pathogens in drinking water. This regulation, established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to protect public health by ensuring that drinking water derived from surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, undergoes proper treatment to remove or inactivate harmful microorganisms. These pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which pose significant health risks if ingested.

By mandating specific treatment processes, such as filtration and disinfection, the rule helps to ensure that water utilities can effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with pathogenic contamination in drinking water. This focus is crucial because surface water sources are more susceptible to various types of contamination compared to groundwater, which can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases if not properly treated.

While other options address important water quality and access issues, they do not align with the primary purpose of the Surface Water Treatment Rule. The elimination of nutrient pollution, clean water access, and improvements in recycling processes, while essential for water management, are not the central objectives of this specific rule.