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

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating drinking water standards in the United States. This responsibility falls under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which mandates the EPA to set national health-based standards for drinking water to protect public health. The agency oversees the implementation of these standards at state and local levels, ensuring that water systems provide safe and clean drinking water to all residents.

The EPA's role includes establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for various pollutants, monitoring water quality, and advising states and water systems on compliance and safety measures. The agency also conducts research and provides funding for water infrastructure projects to improve the quality and safety of drinking water supplies.

This regulatory framework is essential for ensuring that the water supply remains safe from contaminants that could harm public health, reflecting the EPA's primary mission to safeguard the environment and human health.