What was the main goal of the 1972 Clean Water Act?

The primary goal of the 1972 Clean Water Act was to make all natural surface water fit for fishing and swimming. This landmark legislation aimed to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by establishing a framework for regulating the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. The Act set ambitious objectives, including achieving swimmable and fishable waters nationwide.

It recognized the importance of clean water for recreational activities, public health, and the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The emphasis was not only on preventing pollution but also on promoting water quality standards that would support diverse uses of water bodies, such as recreational and commercial fishing and swimming.

While the other options mention important environmental issues, they do not encapsulate the overarching goal of the Clean Water Act. The Act did not specifically address the elimination of agricultural fertilizers, mandate a total ban on industrial waste disposal, or focus solely on groundwater extraction regulations. Instead, it comprehensively addressed surface water quality, highlighting its significance to ecological and public welfare.