Which organization works alongside TCEQ to ensure safe drinking water?

The correct answer is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as this organization plays a crucial role in ensuring safe drinking water standards across the United States. The EPA works in tandem with state agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement and enforce regulations that protect public health by ensuring the quality of drinking water.

The EPA establishes national health-based standards for drinking water to safeguard against contaminations and helps local and state authorities, including TCEQ, in managing and monitoring water systems. The collaborative efforts between the EPA and TCEQ help ensure that drinking water regulations are followed and that communities receive water that meets safety criteria.

Other organizations mentioned, while important in public health and safety, do not have the same direct regulatory oversight regarding drinking water quality in collaboration with state agencies. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focus more on identifying and responding to public health issues, while the World Health Organization (WHO) primarily sets international health standards and guidelines. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is involved in disaster response and recovery rather than routine water safety regulation.