Who is responsible for the regulation of drinking water additives?

The regulation of drinking water additives falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is tasked with ensuring safe drinking water and has the authority to set standards for various contaminants that may be found in drinking water, including those related to additives. This includes overseeing the safety and efficacy of substances used in water treatment processes.

The EPA’s responsibilities include establishing and enforcing regulations that protect public health from harmful contaminants in drinking water. This includes the assessment of chemicals and additives used to treat drinking water supplies, ensuring they meet safety standards before being approved for use.

The other entities mentioned play different roles: the FDA primarily focuses on food and drugs and does not regulate water treatment additives; the Department of Labor is involved in workplace safety and labor standards; and the Public Health Service (PHS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has various public health responsibilities but does not specifically regulate drinking water additives.