Which agency is responsible for overseeing drinking water safety?

• A. Environmental Protection Agency
• B. Department of Health
• C. Department of Environmental Conservation
• D. Center for Disease Control

Answer: (B)

The agency responsible for overseeing drinking water safety is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets and enforces national standards for drinking water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This includes regulating contaminants in public water systems and ensuring that state and local authorities comply with these standards.

The Department of Health plays a role in public health and can be involved in specific local issues related to water safety, but the overarching regulatory authority regarding drinking water at a national level falls under the EPA. The Department of Environmental Conservation focuses on broader environmental policies that include protecting air, water, and land but does not specifically regulate drinking water quality. The Center for Disease Control primarily works on public health issues and may provide guidance related to waterborne diseases but does not directly oversee drinking water safety standards. Thus, the most relevant agency for this task is the EPA.