<em>Regulations have resulted in cleaner rivers and lakes </em>This is the correct option.
The message sets the focus on the result of applying the regulations. The result has a positive effect on rivers and lakes and this is expressed through an adjective in the comparative form:<em>cleaner . </em>Therefore, the reader will be affected by this since all he / she probably wants is to have clean lakes and rivers in his / her community. He/ She certainly wants to enjoy them in his / her free time with his/ her family and friends. Also, the reader may be using the water from the rivers and lakes at home.
These options are not right:
-Clean-water regulations prevent businesses from dumping waste. ( This statement just explains what the regulations are. There is not any emotional or loaded language in it).
-The clean-water regulations are burdensome on businesses. ( The adjective "burdersome" is used to give an opinion. The speaker thinks that businesses will not comply with regulations since it is difficult for them to do so).
-Businesses should not be prevented from disposing of waste however they see fit. ( This statement is also an opinion. The speaker believes businessess should not be under any regulation because they already know that geting rid of waste is not right).
