What was a significant issue the Safe Drinking Water Act aimed to resolve?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was enacted in 1974 to ensure the quality of Americans' drinking water. One of the significant issues it aimed to resolve was the inconsistency in state supervision of drinking water suppliers. At the time, different states had varying standards and regulations regarding drinking water quality. This inconsistency could lead to safety compromises, as some states may not have followed stringent guidelines, while others might have had more rigorous standards.

By establishing federal standards and requiring states to adopt and enforce these standards, the Safe Drinking Water Act sought to create a more uniform approach to monitoring and protecting drinking water sources across the entire country. This legislation also aimed to enhance public health by ensuring that all citizens had access to safe and clean drinking water, regardless of their location.

In contrast, the other issues listed—overflow of landfills, liquid waste management, and pollution from agricultural runoff—are important environmental concerns but were not the primary focus of the SDWA. Each of these areas falls under different regulatory frameworks, addressing distinct challenges in environmental management and public health.