In 1969, according to the federal government, only 60
percent of drinking water in the country met federal
quality standards. Furthermore, between 1961 and
1970 the government noted over 46,000 illnesses
caused by diseases found in drinking water. This led to
the Safe Drinking Water Act, which was signed into law
in 1974. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency
estimated that 90 percent of Americans now have
drinking water that meets federal quality standards.
How has the Safe Drinking Water Act benefited public
health?
A It has decreased access to safe drinking water to 90
percent of the US population.
B It has increased the number of people in the US with
access to safe drinking water to 60 percent.
C It has increased the proportion of the US population
with access to safe drinking water by 30 percent.
D It has increased the number of people in the US with
access to safe drinking water by 90 percent.