Water Nuggets Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating drinking water quality in the United States. This agency implements the Safe Drinking Water Act, which establishes standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers to ensure compliance with these standards.

The EPA sets health-based standards for drinking water contaminants, ensures the protection of sources of drinking water, and provides guidance for water treatment and testing. Through its regulations and enforcement, the agency plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that the water supply is safe for consumption.

While the CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention, its role in drinking water is more about providing health-related research and guidance rather than direct regulation. NOAA primarily deals with oceanic and atmospheric conditions and does not regulate drinking water quality. The USGS conducts research on water resources and provides important scientific data but is not a regulatory agency for drinking water standards.