Which of the following actions helps achieve water quality standards?

The action that best helps achieve water quality standards is the reduction of surface runoff. Surface runoff refers to the water flow that occurs when soil is saturated with water and excess water from rain or irrigation flows over the land. When surface runoff is reduced, it minimizes the transport of pollutants, sediments, and nutrients that can degrade water quality in nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. By implementing measures that reduce surface runoff—such as green infrastructure, vegetated swales, permeable pavement, and rain gardens—pollution can be effectively mitigated, leading to improved water quality in receiving waters.

The focus on reducing surface runoff directly targets the mechanisms by which contaminants are introduced into water bodies. Therefore, adopting practices that manage and minimize runoff can significantly contribute to meeting water quality standards set by environmental regulations.