Water Quality Testing & Regulation: EPA's Role in Protecting Our Waterways

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting standards for water quality and monitoring the nation's waters to ensure that they are safe for drinking, swimming, and fishing. The EPA also provides financial assistance to states and tribes to help them implement water quality programs.

In addition to the EPA, a number of other federal agencies are involved in water quality protection, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These agencies conduct research on water quality, provide technical assistance to states and tribes, and regulate activities that can potentially pollute water bodies.

At the state and local levels, water quality protection is typically handled by departments of environmental protection or natural resources. These agencies set water quality standards, issue permits for wastewater discharges, and conduct inspections of businesses and industries to ensure that they are complying with water quality regulations.

In some cases, private organizations may also be involved in water quality testing and protection. For example, the River Raisin Watershed Council in Michigan is a nonprofit organization that monitors water quality in the River Raisin and its tributaries, and works to educate the public about water conservation and pollution prevention.