According to regulations, what type of chemicals must be monitored in drinking water systems?

The correct answer, which identifies organic and inorganic chemicals, aligns with regulatory requirements for monitoring drinking water systems because these categories cover a wide range of potential contaminants that can affect water quality and human health.

Organic chemicals refer to compounds that contain carbon, many of which can originate from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, or household products. They include pesticides, solvents, and other man-made substances that may be harmful in drinking water.

Inorganic chemicals, on the other hand, encompass a broad array of substances that do not contain carbon, such as metals (like lead or arsenic), nitrates, and fluoride, which can have significant health implications. The monitoring of these chemicals helps ensure that drinking water remains safe and complies with health standards set by regulatory authorities.

Monitoring for both organic and inorganic chemicals is critical to assessing the safety and quality of drinking water, protecting public health, and preventing contamination that could arise from various sources in the environment. Other options, such as radioactive materials, salts, metals, or suspended solids and gases, while relevant in certain contexts, do not comprehensively cover the range of harmful contaminants that can be present in drinking water and are typically included within the broader categories of organic and inorganic chemicals.