What is the primary regulatory body governing very small water systems?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary regulatory body governing very small water systems, as it has the authority to establish and enforce regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA's role involves setting standards for drinking water quality, overseeing state water programs, and ensuring that water systems, regardless of size, provide safe and reliable drinking water to the public.

This agency collaborates with state and local authorities to ensure compliance with these standards, particularly focusing on systems that may not have the same resources or regulatory oversight as larger water systems. The guidance provided by the EPA is crucial for very small water systems, as they often need assistance in meeting the regulatory requirements that ensure the safety and health of the communities they serve.

Other agencies mentioned, like the CDC and FDA, have important roles regarding public health and food safety respectively, but they do not have direct regulatory authority over the water systems. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily focuses on water resource management and infrastructure projects but does not govern drinking water quality standards. Therefore, the EPA is distinctly positioned as the key regulator for very small water systems, ensuring compliance with national drinking water regulations.