Which legislation ensures the safety of drinking water in the United States?

The Safe Drinking Water Act is the key piece of legislation that ensures the safety of drinking water in the United States. Enacted in 1974 and amended multiple times since, this act aims to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. It authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national health-based standards for drinking water to ensure its safety and quality.

The act also includes provisions for water system operators to monitor water quality, maintain compliance with federal standards, and inform the public about water quality issues. These measures help prevent contamination and protect consumers from various health risks associated with unsafe drinking water. The overarching goal is to ensure that all Americans have access to safe and reliable drinking water sources.

In contrast, other options such as the Clean Water Act primarily focus on the quality of water in lakes, rivers, and wetlands rather than drinking water specifically. The Water Safety Regulation Act and the National Drinking Water Act are not established pieces of legislation within the framework of federal laws pertaining to drinking water safety in the U.S.