Which organization regulates drinking water standards in the U.S.?

The organization that regulates drinking water standards in the U.S. is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations that ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. This includes setting limits on various contaminants in water supplies and monitoring compliance with these standards, which are crucial for protecting public health.

The agency works under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which mandates the EPA to set national health-based standards for drinking water to safeguard against both natural and man-made contaminants. This comprehensive regulatory framework helps ensure that the water people consume is safe and meets established health criteria.

In contrast, other organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) provide international guidelines and recommendations on health standards, but they do not have regulatory authority within the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees the safety of food and pharmaceuticals rather than drinking water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and disease prevention, which includes research and health advisories, but it does not regulate drinking water standards directly. Thus, the EPA is the appropriate organization for this responsibility in the context of the United States.