Which agency is responsible for protecting our waterways from contamination?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting our waterways from contamination. This agency plays a critical role in regulating water quality and ensuring that both surface water and groundwater are safe for recreational use, drinking, and supporting aquatic ecosystems. The EPA establishes and enforces standards for water pollutants under various laws, including the Clean Water Act. This includes monitoring water quality, managing waste disposal, and regulating discharges into waterways to prevent pollution.

The other agencies, while they carry out important public health and safety functions, have different specific areas of focus. The FDA is primarily responsible for the safety of food and pharmaceuticals, the USDA deals with agricultural products and their safety, and the CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention rather than environmental protection directly. Therefore, the EPA's distinct mandate regarding water quality and pollution prevention makes it the correct choice for this question.