What is the primary purpose of the Water Resources Protection Act?

The primary purpose of the Water Resources Protection Act is to protect public health and natural resources. This legislation aims to ensure the sustainability and quality of water resources, which are critical for both ecosystem health and human use. By safeguarding aquatic environments, the Act helps to maintain biodiversity, support fisheries, and ensure safe drinking water supplies for communities.

Although managing aquatic pest species and promoting recreational use of state waters are important aspects of water resource management, these functions are secondary to the overarching goal of protecting public health and the natural resources that are essential for the well-being of both humans and wildlife. Setting limits on fishing activities, while related to conservation efforts, also falls under broader policies aimed at preserving aquatic ecosystems rather than being the primary focus of the Act itself.