Which statement best describes the Clean Water Act's aim?

• A. It regulates air pollutants
• B. It focuses on drinking water quality
• C. It aims to make surface waters swimmable and fishable
• D. It regulates noise pollution

Answer: (C)

The Clean Water Act is about protecting and restoring the quality of surface waters so they are safe for people to use and for aquatic life. It targets pollutants that enter rivers, lakes, and streams, using permits and water quality standards to limit discharges and improve water health. The goal described as making surface waters swimmable and fishable captures the practical outcome the act seeks for public recreation and ecosystem integrity. It isn’t about air pollutants (that’s the Clean Air Act), nor about drinking water quality (that’s the Safe Drinking Water Act), and it doesn’t focus on noise pollution. Because its primary aim is to ensure surface waters meet standards that allow swimming and support aquatic life, this statement best describes the act.