The Clean Water Act outlines the strictest standards for which of the following?

The Clean Water Act is a fundamental piece of environmental legislation in the United States that aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters. It establishes strict standards particularly for drinking water to ensure public health and safety. The regulations set forth under this act aim to control pollution and safeguard the sources of drinking water, which are vital for human consumption.

The emphasis on drinking water standards stems from the need to protect citizens from waterborne contaminants that can have serious health implications. Compliance with these standards requires continuous monitoring and treatment to ensure that drinking water is safe and meets the established quality criteria.

While the Clean Water Act does provide guidelines and standards for agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and recreational water use, the most stringent regulations are applied to the standards governing drinking water. This prioritization reflects the critical importance of clean, safe drinking water for the population.