Which act was passed in 1972 to establish water quality standards?

The Federal Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at regulating the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States and ensuring water quality standards are maintained. Its primary goal is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by establishing quality standards that govern wastewater discharges and by promoting the protection of wetlands and other water resources.

This act was crucial in providing the federal government authority to regulate water pollution and set water quality standards that states must meet. It also enabled the creation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires permits for the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. As a result, the Clean Water Act has played a significant role in reducing water pollution, improving the quality of water bodies across the country, and safeguarding public health.

The other acts mentioned, while important in their own right, focus on different aspects of environmental protection and water management. The California Environmental Quality Act primarily addresses environmental impact assessments for projects in California, the Reclamation Reform Act deals with federal irrigation and water reclamation projects, and the Safe Drinking Water Act focuses on ensuring safe drinking water for the public.