Importance of Water

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Questions and Answers

What is a unique property of water that makes it suitable for cooling mechanical and industrial devices?

High viscosity

Low surface tension

High specific heat (correct)

High boiling point

Why is it important to protect groundwater from contamination?

To conserve water for industrial use

To preserve the aesthetic value of natural scenery

To prevent toxic chemicals from entering the drinking water supply (correct)

To reduce the risk of earthquakes

What was a major factor leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

The increase in nuclear power plants

The rise of industrial agriculture

The lack of regulations protecting clean water (correct)

The publication of Silent Spring

What is a consequence of contaminated water?

It can host diseases and parasites Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of water that allows it to carry a variety of substances?

Its ability to dissolve and carry substances Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970?

To consolidate environmental regulations and conservation activity under a single agency Signup and view all the answers

What is the Clean Water Act of 1972 primarily concerned with?

Restricting pollutants discharged from point sources into the water of the United States Signup and view all the answers

What is a point source, according to the Clean Water Act?

A discrete conveyance, such as a pipe, channel, or ditch made for discharging waste Signup and view all the answers

What is not addressed by the Clean Water Act of 1972?

Non-point source pollution, such as agricultural runoff Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Cuyahoga River catching fire in 1969?

National attitudes about the environment changed, leading to the formation of the EPA and the Clean Water Act Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974?

To address the poor job some states were doing in providing safe drinking water Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the original form of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974?

Setting standards on pollutants that affected drinking water and removing them through treatment Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986 and 1996?

Regulation of water sources to prevent pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The CWA focuses on environmental protection, while the SDWA focuses on drinking water safety Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for preparing and making available public reports about water quality?

Community water systems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Clean Water

Water is essential for human life, industry, daily life, recreation, and other essential activities.
Water's ability to dissolve and carry various substances makes it a universal solvent.
Water's high specific heat makes it a unique cooling agent for mechanical and industrial devices.

Dangers of Dirty Water

Dirty water can be contaminated with toxic chemicals, diseases, and parasites, making it a health hazard.
The world's finite water supply is constantly cycling, making it easy to contaminate.

Establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

By the mid-20th century, industrial pollution had become a significant environmental issue.
The Cuyahoga River caught on fire in 1969, highlighting the need for environmental regulations.
In 1970, President Richard Nixon proposed the formation of the EPA, which was created later that year.

The Clean Water Act of 1972

The Clean Water Act requires a permit for any pollutant discharged from a point source into the "water of the United States".
The Act defines "waters of the United States" and "pollutant" broadly.
Each state issues its own permits, which comply with a minimum federal standard.
The Act has improved water quality and soil erosion, and provided federal funds for building water-treatment plants.

Limitations of the Clean Water Act

The Act does not address non-point source pollution, such as agricultural runoff.

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974

The Safe Drinking Water Act ensures that drinking water is safe for human consumption by removing pollutants and contaminants.
The Act empowers the EPA to set standards on pollutants that affect drinking water.
The Act regulates water sources, and requires community water systems to prepare and make available public reports about water quality.

Difference Between the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act

The Clean Water Act is an environmental protection agency that limits pollution from point sources.
The Safe Drinking Water Act primarily exists to protect drinking water supplies from various pollutants.
The Clean Water Act is administered by the EPA, while the Safe Drinking Water Act divides power between federal, state, and local agencies.

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Description

Water is essential for human life, industry, and daily activities. It has unique properties, such as being the universal solvent, and is vital for various purposes like cleaning, drinking, and cooking.