What key issue does the Clean Water Act address?

The Clean Water Act is primarily focused on regulating water pollution and ensuring the safety of the nation's water supply. This legislation establishes the framework for controlling discharges of pollutants into waters and sets water quality standards for various water bodies. Its goals include eliminating the discharge of toxic substances into navigable waters, making waters fishable and swimmable, and protecting wetlands.

Water pollution encompasses many sources and activities, and the Clean Water Act aims to safeguard public health and the environment from the harmful effects of contaminated water. This focus on water pollution and safety distinguishes it from issues like land waste disposal, air pollution levels, and power generation impacts, which are regulated under different laws and regulations. Thus, the identified key issue of the Clean Water Act is effectively reflected in the concern for water pollution and safety.