Which organization is responsible for regulating water quality standards?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary organization responsible for regulating water quality standards in the United States. It establishes regulations that safeguard drinking water and surface water quality, ensuring that water is free from contaminants that could pose health risks to humans and the environment. The EPA also sets limits on pollutants and oversees compliance with the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, which are vital for maintaining safe water supplies.

Other organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have important roles in water quality, particularly in global health and disease prevention regarding waterborne illnesses. However, they do not have regulatory authority in the same way that the EPA does. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), while it enhances understanding of oceans and waterways, focuses more on monitoring and forecasting rather than directly regulating water quality standards. Therefore, the EPA is the definitive regulatory body for water quality standards in the U.S.