Which organization is responsible for setting drinking water standards in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary organization responsible for setting drinking water standards in the United States. Specifically, the EPA establishes regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which outlines the acceptable levels of various contaminants in public drinking water supplies to ensure safety for public health. The agency conducts research, compiles data on water quality, and provides guidelines that water utilities must follow to protect consumers. The comprehensive nature of the EPA’s regulatory framework includes not only the establishment of maximum contaminant levels but also the monitoring and enforcement of these standards across the nation’s public water systems.