Who is responsible for developing the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?

The development of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is primarily the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SDWA was enacted by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. The EPA implements this law by setting national health-based standards for drinking water to ensure that it is safe and potable for consumers.

The role of the EPA is crucial because it establishes both maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various pollutants and guidelines that states must follow when managing their own public water systems. The EPA also conducts research, provides guidance and assistance, and oversees the implementation of the laws to ensure compliance and protect water quality. This regulatory framework encompasses a broad range of activities and standards to monitor and maintain safe drinking water across the United States.

While organizations such as the FDA, CDC, and OSHA play important roles in public health and safety, their primary focuses differ from that of the EPA. The FDA oversees food and drug safety, the CDC is involved in disease prevention and public health education, and OSHA is concerned with occupational safety and health. Therefore, the EPA's specific mandate and components make it the correct answer regarding the development and enforcement of the SDWA.