Regulation of drinking water additives is the responsibility of?

The regulation of drinking water additives falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water in the United States, which includes establishing regulations for the substances that can be added to public water systems. This includes chemicals used for disinfection, fluoridation, and other additives that help maintain water quality and safety.

The EPA sets guidelines and standards that public water systems must follow to protect public health. They also have the authority to enforce compliance with these regulations, making them the primary federal agency focused on drinking water safety.

In contrast, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the regulation of food and drugs, it does not have jurisdiction over drinking water supplies, especially those provided by community systems. The Department of Labor is focused on workplace safety and labor issues, and the Public Health Service (PHS) is more involved in broader health policy and public health programs rather than the specific regulation of drinking water additives. Thus, the correct answer clearly points to the EPA as the responsible agency for this aspect of public health and environmental regulation.