Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

Which federal law is most significant to the water utility industry?

1. The Clean Water Act of 1972

2. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974

3. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

4. The National Environmental Policy Act

The correct answer is: The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 is the most significant federal law to the water utility industry because it provides the foundation for the regulation of public drinking water supplies in the United States. This legislation establishes legal and enforceable standards for drinking water quality to protect public health, and it mandates the EPA to set limits on specific contaminants in drinking water. Utilities that provide drinking water must comply with these standards, which ensure that the water is safe for human consumption. This Act also requires regular monitoring and reporting, promoting accountability and transparency in water quality management. Overall, the Safe Drinking Water Act is critical for ensuring that water utilities maintain high standards of safety and compliance, directly impacting the health of the communities they serve. While the Clean Water Act addresses pollution in surface waters and is also important, it does not specifically focus on drinking water quality in the same way. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act pertains to waste management rather than directly to drinking water. The National Environmental Policy Act establishes the requirement for environmental assessments and does not specifically target water quality in the utility context. Thus, the Safe Drinking Water Act is particularly essential for those working within the water utility industry.