What is a primary goal of the Water Quality Act?

The primary goal of the Water Quality Act is to establish baseline water quality standards. This legislation was primarily aimed at ensuring that water bodies meet certain quality requirements to protect human health and the environment. By setting these standards, the act helps in monitoring and controlling the levels of pollutants in water sources, thus safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health. Establishing baseline standards is an essential step for regulatory agencies to assess water quality over time, set goals for improvements, and enforce compliance with pollution control measures.

In contrast, while increasing habitat diversity or promoting sustainable water use are important environmental goals, they are more indirect outcomes of effective water quality management rather than the primary objective of this specific legislation. Additionally, promoting chemical manufacturing does not align with the goals of the Water Quality Act, which focuses on regulating pollutants rather than encouraging their production.