Which organization is responsible for regulating drinking water additives?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the organization responsible for regulating drinking water additives. This authority is part of its broader mandate to ensure safe drinking water through the enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA sets standards for various contaminants, ensuring that additives used in public water systems do not compromise water quality and public health.

Drinking water additives can include substances like chlorine, which is used for disinfection, or fluorides, which can help in dental health. The EPA evaluates these substances to assess their safety, efficacy, and impact on public health.

In contrast, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and disease prevention, it does not have regulatory authority over water additives. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees food, dietary supplements, and medications, but it does not regulate water additives unless they are classified as food additives. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides international guidelines and resources on water quality but does not regulate drinking water additives at a national level. This clarification illustrates why the EPA is the correct choice for regulating drinking water additives.