Which federal agency regulates drinking water quality in the United States?

The regulation of drinking water quality in the United States falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for setting and enforcing national standards for drinking water quality to protect public health. This includes the establishment of maximum contaminant levels for various pollutants, monitoring water systems, and providing guidance to ensure safe drinking water for all Americans.

The EPA also oversees the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which is a key piece of legislation that authorizes the agency to create and enforce regulations regarding the safety of drinking water sources. By effectively implementing these regulations, the EPA plays a crucial role in ensuring that water providers maintain clean and safe drinking water supplies, thereby safeguarding public health.

The other agencies listed, while important in their respective domains, are not responsible for drinking water regulation. The FDA primarily regulates food products and bottled water, the CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention, and NOAA is concerned with weather, ocean, and atmospheric conditions. Thus, the EPA is the key body charged with overseeing drinking water standards and ensuring compliance across public water systems.