What is the maximum amount of a particular contaminant allowed in drinking water by the EPA called?

The maximum amount of a particular contaminant allowed in drinking water by the EPA is known as the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). This term specifically refers to the threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that drinking water is safe for public consumption. Each MCL is determined based on research regarding health effects and levels of exposure to various contaminants, and it serves as a regulatory limit to protect public health.

MCLs are critical components of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which aim to minimize health risks associated with contaminants in drinking water. Each contaminant is assessed separately, and the MCL represents the highest permissible level in any drinking water supply.

The other terms, while related to water quality and safety, do not specifically define the allowed maximum levels set by the EPA. The National Drinking Water Standard encompasses broader regulatory guidelines, while the Contaminant Threshold Level is not a standard term used by the EPA for defining allowable contaminant levels. The Water Quality Index is a tool used to summarize the overall quality of water but does not focus on the specific limits of contaminants.

Therefore, the term that accurately captures the meaning of the maximum allowable contaminant level in drinking water as set by the EPA is the Maximum Contaminant