What are "maximum contaminant levels" (MCLs)?

Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) are regulatory limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific contaminants found in drinking water. These levels are set to safeguard public health by ensuring that the concentration of harmful substances does not exceed a threshold that could pose adverse health effects to consumers. MCLs are determined based on scientific research, including the analysis of health risks associated with various contaminants, and they are enforced to provide safe drinking water across various water systems.

The other options, while related to water quality, do not accurately define MCLs. Guidelines for acceptable taste and odor in drinking water focus on aesthetic qualities rather than safety levels for contaminants. Recommendations for the minimum level of minerals concern the nutritional aspects of water rather than contaminant limits. Standards for agricultural water usage pertain to the acceptable criteria for water used in farming, which is a different context altogether and does not overlap with drinking water regulations.