Which organization typically sets standards for drinking water quality?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the organization that typically sets standards for drinking water quality in the United States. The EPA is responsible for implementing regulations that ensure safe drinking water supply by establishing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs). These regulations limit the levels of certain contaminants in drinking water and are essential for protecting public health. The agency conducts research and works with state governments to enforce these standards, ensuring that water quality meets established safety benchmarks.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines and recommendations regarding drinking water quality on a global scale, their role is more advisory and not enforcement-based in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water and some aspects of water related to food and drug safety but does not set standards for municipal drinking water systems. Lastly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on workplace health and safety and does not deal directly with public drinking water standards. Therefore, the EPA is the primary authority for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards.