5.2 Blog about the public health importance of safe drinking-water

The Clean Water Act of 1972 made a huge difference in the safety of the United States' bodies of water. Before it was enacted, the lakes of many states were unsafe to swim, fish or enjoy really. With the Clean Water Act, the country was able to save the water from contaminants like toxic chemicals being dumped without regulation. The public health importance here is that the water is protected for the community. With the contamination of the bodies of water comes contamination in ground water, then in any water pumped by aquifer, then delivered to the crops grown on that property or even the glass of water the residents drink. By preventing unsafe contamination of the water, drinking water and clean water to grow crops in is preserved. The community health is also preserved by leaving these waters available for recreation and exercise, as well as the mental health from enjoying the view of the fresh clean lakes like the one below.