Final answer:
John Snow's research in the 1800s identifying water as a transmission method for cholera significantly contributed to the development of the Clean Water Act, by establishing the necessity for clean water supplies and proper sanitation to prevent waterborne illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the key contributions that supported the development of the Clean Water Act was the epidemiological study conducted by British physician John Snow in 1848. Snow's groundbreaking research identified contaminated water as the transmission medium for cholera, overriding the miasma theory of disease, which held that diseases like cholera were spread through the air. His work on tracing cholera outbreaks to specific water sources in London paved the way for modern public health responses and highlighted the critical need for clean water supplies.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, later known as the Clean Water Act, was passed in 1972, coming to fruition from years of observations and understanding about waterborne diseases and public health. Taking action against rampant industrial pollution, the act aimed to make U.S. waters swimmable and fishable, introducing the concept that dumping waste without permission was illegal, hence initiating a regime of regulation and enforcement to improve water quality across the country.
Therefore, the correct answer in the context of the provided information would be the role played by John Snow's research and ensuing public health movements, which are tied to the understanding that clean water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera and serve as a foundation for the Clean Water Act.