What are the main regulatory bodies associated with groundwater management in the U.S.?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state water resource agencies play crucial roles in the regulatory framework governing groundwater management in the United States. The EPA is responsible for setting national standards and regulations related to water quality and groundwater protection, as established under key legislation such as the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. These regulations focus on safeguarding public health and ensuring the sustainability of water resources.

State water resource agencies complement the efforts of the EPA by addressing regional needs and conditions. They oversee the implementation of federal standards at the state level, manage local water rights, and develop policies tailored to the specific hydrological and ecological contexts of their states. By working together, these entities ensure a coordinated approach to groundwater resource management, focusing on both quality and availability.

The other options include regulatory bodies that have important functions in water management but do not fully encapsulate the primary agencies responsible for groundwater management. For instance, while the Department of Natural Resources and local health departments contribute to aspects of water management, they are not exclusively focused on groundwater or do not have the same level of regulatory authority as the EPA and state water resource agencies.