What environmental controls were mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974?

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 primarily addresses the quality of drinking water in the United States and establishes mechanisms to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. The act mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set national health-based standards for drinking water to ensure its safety.

Among the options provided, the correct answer refers to the concept of BACT, or Best Available Control Technology. This is a standard used to determine the most effective and advanced methods to control environmental pollutants, specifically in relation to emissions from new sources. In the context of the Safe Drinking Water Act, this principle can apply to setting standards for water treatment processes and technologies that achieve the highest degree of pollutant removal and ensure safe drinking water.

RACT (Reasonably Available Control Technology), MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology), and BPCT (Best Practical Control Technology) relate to different contexts and sectors of environmental regulation, typically dealing with air pollution or industrial emissions rather than specifically addressing drinking water. Therefore, BACT aligns with the overarching goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act by advocating for the use of the most effective technologies to maintain the safety and quality of drinking water.