What characteristic differentiates secondary standards from primary standards in water quality?

What characteristic differentiates secondary standards from primary standards in water quality?

• A. Secondary standards are enforceable by law
• B. Secondary standards focus on health risks
• C. Secondary standards relate to aesthetic water quality
• D. Secondary standards are set by local governments

Answer: (C)

The characteristic that differentiates secondary standards from primary standards in water quality is that secondary standards relate to aesthetic water quality. Secondary standards are guidelines set to help ensure that the water is pleasant in terms of taste, odor, color, and clarity. They address non-health-related issues that might affect consumer acceptance of water, such as whether it has an unpleasant odor or is discolored. In contrast, primary standards are designed to protect public health by limiting contaminants that could pose health risks; they are enforceable by law and focus directly on ensuring that the water is safe to drink. Secondary standards, while important for consumer satisfaction, do not carry the same regulatory weight or health-related focus as primary standards do. Local governments may have their own regulations, but secondary standards are more broadly recognized at the federal or state level and are not specific to this aspect. Thus, the correct answer is grounded in the emphasis on aesthetic qualities rather than health risks or regulatory enforcement.

The characteristic that differentiates secondary standards from primary standards in water quality is that secondary standards relate to aesthetic water quality. Secondary standards are guidelines set to help ensure that the water is pleasant in terms of taste, odor, color, and clarity. They address non-health-related issues that might affect consumer acceptance of water, such as whether it has an unpleasant odor or is discolored.

In contrast, primary standards are designed to protect public health by limiting contaminants that could pose health risks; they are enforceable by law and focus directly on ensuring that the water is safe to drink. Secondary standards, while important for consumer satisfaction, do not carry the same regulatory weight or health-related focus as primary standards do. Local governments may have their own regulations, but secondary standards are more broadly recognized at the federal or state level and are not specific to this aspect. Thus, the correct answer is grounded in the emphasis on aesthetic qualities rather than health risks or regulatory enforcement.