Who is the federal regulator responsible for overseeing drinking water quality?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal regulator responsible for overseeing drinking water quality in the United States. This agency was established to enforce federal laws that ensure clean air and water, focusing on protecting human health and the environment. The EPA sets the standards for drinking water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which authorizes the agency to regulate contaminants in public drinking water systems.

By enforcing these standards, the EPA helps ensure that public water supplies are safe and that the treatment processes meet health and safety guidelines. The agency also provides technical assistance and guidance to states and water utilities to help them comply with federal regulations, thereby contributing to the protection of public health concerning drinking water.

The other options do not have the primary role in regulating drinking water quality. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) primarily conducts research related to natural resources, the environment, and water resources rather than directly regulating drinking water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focus on public health but do not regulate drinking water quality directly; instead, they provide research and guidance related to waterborne diseases. The Department of Water Resources is a state-level entity that may manage water resources but is not a federal regulator of drinking water quality.