Final answer:
States rely on the water quality standards defined by the Clean Water Act and the EPA to manage water where it is abundant. The EPA sets criteria like MCL to ensure water is safe for various uses, and amendments to the SDWA give states the ability to fund improvements in water treatment and demand quality reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Where water is plentiful, states may rely on the simple parameters set by the water quality standards. These standards are largely influenced by the Clean Water Act and the regulations set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The water quality standards make sure that water is suitable for its intended uses, such as public water supply, recreational activities, agriculture, and industry. These uses are determined based on various factors including the quality and the geographical characteristics of the water body.
The EPA, along with state agencies, also monitors levels of contaminants, defining safety levels with measurements like the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and Treatment Technique (TT). Furthermore, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 and its amendments have strengthened the EPA's ability to enforce these standards, allowing states to seek federal money to upgrade their water quality processes, and requiring water companies to provide water quality reports to consumers.