What is the objective of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)?

The objective of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is to regulate discharges of pollutants into surface waters. This program, which is part of the Clean Water Act, aims to improve water quality by controlling the amount and type of pollutants that can be released into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. By requiring permits for any point source discharges, the NPDES helps ensure that the quality of surface waters is protected, thereby safeguarding both aquatic ecosystems and public health. This regulatory framework is essential in addressing water pollution issues and facilitating compliance with water quality standards.

The other options, while they may involve aspects of water management, do not accurately reflect the primary function of the NPDES. For instance, promoting recreational use of water bodies pertains more to water access and safety than to pollution control, regulating fish populations focuses on wildlife management rather than on pollution, and managing waterway navigation deals with transportation and access issues rather than the quality of the water itself. Thus, the correct answer clearly encapsulates the fundamental aim of the NPDES program.