Final answer:
The Cuyahoga River fire of 1969 was a major incident that occurred due to extreme pollution in the river. This event prompted the passing of the Clean Water Act by the government in 1972 to regulate and prevent pollution in surface waters.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Ohio experienced a significant fire due to its extreme pollution. This event, known as the Cuyahoga River fire, captured the nation's attention and highlighted the detrimental consequences of pollution on the environment.
As a result of the Cuyahoga River fire and growing concern for environmental issues, the government passed important legislation called the Clean Water Act in 1972. The Clean Water Act aimed to maintain and restore water quality by regulating and preventing pollution in surface waters.
Overall, the Cuyahoga River fire of 1969 played a pivotal role in raising awareness about environmental pollution and served as a catalyst for the implementation of significant government legislation to protect water quality.