As established byHomeland Security Presidential Directive 7 (HSPD-7)and theNational Response Framework (NRF), theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)is the designated Sector-Specific Agency (SSA) for theWater and Wastewater Systemssector. This sector is one of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors essential to the nation's security, economy, and public health.10During an emergency, the EPA's responsibility is to coordinate the protection and rapid restoration of these systems.

The EPA performs several critical roles during a disaster response:11

Technical Assistance:Providing expertise on water treatment, contaminant identification, and infrastructure repair.12

Laboratory Support:Utilizing the Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN) to analyze water samples for chemical or biological agents.13

Regulatory Oversight:Ensuring that emergency measures (like boil water advisories) follow the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

While theUSDA(Option B) provides support for water systems in rural communities (typically under 10,000 residents), the overall sector responsibility for the entire nation lies with the EPA. For aCEDPprofessional, the EPA is the primary federal partner forEmergency Support Function #10 (Oil and Hazardous Materials)and a key supporter forESF #3 (Public Works and Engineering). The EPA manages tools like theWater Health and Economic Analysis Tool (WHEAT)and theWaterISACto help water utilities assess risks and share threat information.14By leading this sector, the EPA ensures that one of the most vital "Community Lifelines"—potable water—is restored as quickly as possible, preventing secondary public health crises following a primary disaster.