What is the primary role of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)?

The primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to regulate and ensure the quality of water as part of its broader mission to protect human health and the environment. The EPA implements various laws and regulations aimed at maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the nation’s water resources, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

The agency oversees the enforcement of the Clean Water Act, which establishes water quality standards and regulates discharges of pollutants into water bodies. By doing so, the EPA strives to prevent water contamination, safeguard ecosystems, and ensure safe drinking water supplies. This responsibility highlights the agency's commitment to not only monitoring but also improving water quality to promote public health and environmental sustainability.

While the agency does also engage in regulating air quality and may touch on aspects related to managing public lands, its core focus is fundamentally centered on water quality regulations. Therefore, the emphasis on water quality is integral to understanding the EPA's primary role and objectives in environmental protection.