What is the purpose of the Clean Water Act?

The purpose of the Clean Water Act is to regulate discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters, ensuring that water quality is safeguarded for both human health and aquatic ecosystems. This piece of legislation aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by setting limits on the types and amounts of pollutants that can be released, thus preventing water pollution. The Act also establishes quality standards for all surface waters and provides a framework for states to set their own water quality standards in alignment with federal guidelines.

This focus on regulating pollutant discharges is crucial for protecting aquatic environments from contamination, safeguarding wildlife habitats, and ensuring that water resources are safe for recreational use and drinking. It's an essential component of environmental law aimed at preserving the quality of water resources across the country.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the Clean Water Act's primary intent of pollution control and water quality management. Agricultural productivity, water usage, and industrial development, while potentially related to water management, do not encapsulate the Act’s core purpose of maintaining a clean and healthy water environment by regulating pollutants.