Which types of contaminants does the Safe Drinking Water Act set maximum levels for?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) has been designed to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. It establishes maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various types of contaminants to ensure the safety of drinking water. The correct choice encompasses a broad range of contaminants, including chemical contaminants, radionuclides, and microbial contaminants.

Chemical contaminants refer to substances that can cause health risks, which include various organic and inorganic compounds. Radionuclides are radioactive elements that pose significant health risks, particularly through long-term exposure, and microbial contaminants involve bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can lead to waterborne diseases. By setting maximum levels for these three categories, the SDWA aims to address a wide spectrum of potential hazards that can affect the quality of drinking water, thereby ensuring the health and safety of the public.

Other options do not capture the full range of contaminants that the SDWA regulates or narrowly define the types, making them less comprehensive compared to the correct answer.