What regulatory body oversees water quality standards in the U.S.?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing water quality standards in the U.S. This agency was established to protect human health and the environment by enforcing regulations concerning air, water, and land pollution. The EPA develops and enforces regulations based on laws passed by Congress, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act, which sets the national standards for drinking water quality. Their role includes monitoring water sources, setting limits on contaminants, and ensuring that water providers meet these standards to safeguard public health and the environment.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees food safety and pharmaceuticals, not water quality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and disease control but does not regulate water quality standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health, focusing on employee protection rather than environmental water standards. Each of these agencies plays a critical role in public health and safety, but the responsibility for water quality standards specifically lies with the EPA.