Which regulatory body oversees wastewater treatment standards in the U.S.?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary regulatory body that oversees wastewater treatment standards in the United States. The EPA is responsible for enforcing the Clean Water Act, which establishes the framework for regulating the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States as well as setting water quality standards. This includes guidelines and regulations that wastewater treatment facilities must follow to ensure they are protecting water resources, public health, and the environment.

The agency develops and maintains regulations that dictate how wastewater is treated before it is released into the environment, ensuring that effluent meets safety and quality standards. This regulatory oversight encompasses the various aspects of wastewater management, including the levels of treatment necessary to reduce contaminants and protect aquatic ecosystems.

The other regulatory bodies mentioned do not focus on wastewater treatment standards. OSHA primarily addresses workplace safety; the FDA regulates food safety and medications; and HHS deals with public health issues but does not directly manage wastewater treatment protocols, making the EPA the key agency in this domain.