Which act established regulations for pollution control in U.S. waters?

The Clean Water Act is the legislation that established the structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Its primary goal is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point and non-point source pollution, maintaining the integrity of wetlands, and ensuring that waters meet the standards necessary for protection of human health and aquatic life.

Under this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to create pollution control programs and to set water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters. This framework has been pivotal in enhancing the cleanliness of waterways and has laid the groundwork for many other water quality initiatives within the U.S.Recognizing the importance of clean water in promoting public health and preserving aquatic ecosystems, the Clean Water Act provides a comprehensive approach to managing water pollution effectively.

In contrast, the other options address different areas of environmental regulation. The Clean Air Act focuses on air pollution control, while the Water Quality Improvement Act, although related, does not serve as a primary regulatory framework for pollution control in water bodies like the Clean Water Act. The Water Resource Management Act typically pertains to the broader management of water as a natural resource, rather than regulatory standards and pollution control.