What is the primary regulatory body overseeing drinking water quality in the U.S.?

The primary regulatory body overseeing drinking water quality in the United States is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for establishing regulations and standards to ensure the safety of drinking water supplies through the enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This act mandates the EPA to set maximum contaminant levels and oversee states and municipalities to ensure compliance with water quality standards. By doing so, the EPA plays a critical role in protecting public health and ensuring that drinking water is safe for consumption.

Other organizations have different responsibilities; for instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety rather than water quality. The Food and Drug Administration regulates food and certain aspects of pharmaceuticals but does not oversee drinking water specifically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plays a role in public health and disease control but is not the regulatory authority for drinking water. Therefore, the EPA's specific mandate and comprehensive regulatory framework confirm its position as the primary body responsible for overseeing drinking water quality.