The Safe Water Drinking Act sets water quality standards for which of the following categories?

The Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA) establishes standards for various aspects of water quality to ensure safe drinking water for the public. The correct answer encompasses a comprehensive range of categories, which includes physical, chemical, radiological, and bacteriological parameters. This inclusion is critical because each category addresses different potential contaminants that can affect human health.

Physical contaminants can include sediments and other particles that might impair the visual appearance and palatability of the water. Chemical standards are concerned with the presence of harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other hazardous compounds that could pose toxicological risks. Radiological standards are important for detecting radioactive materials that may contaminate water sources and pose long-term health effects. Lastly, bacteriological standards focus on the presence of microorganisms that can cause waterborne diseases.

By covering all these categories, the SDWA aims to provide a holistic framework for water quality, ensuring that all potential risks are managed effectively to protect public health. The other choices do not encompass the full range of concerns addressed by the Safe Water Drinking Act, which is why they are not correct in this context.