What is the goal of the Surface Drinking Water Act?

The goal of the Surface Drinking Water Act is for each state to accept primary enforcement responsibility. This legislation aims to ensure that states take the lead in regulating and managing their drinking water sources, specifically surface waters that are used for public drinking supply. By empowering states to enforce standards and regulations, the act promotes state-level responsibility for maintaining water quality and protecting public health.

This approach recognizes that states are often better positioned to understand their unique water resources and local conditions. It enables them to tailor their enforcement efforts to address specific challenges and needs, ultimately contributing to the safety and reliability of drinking water for their residents.

The other options mentioned do not align with the primary objective of the Surface Drinking Water Act, which focuses specifically on state enforcement and regulation. While improving wastewater treatment systems and monitoring industrial discharges may be important, these are not the central aims of this particular act. Reducing plastic waste, although significant in environmental discourse, is also not a focus of the Surface Drinking Water Act.