Which government authority oversees the supply of fresh water for drinking?

The correct answer highlights the role of the Department of Health in overseeing the supply of fresh drinking water. This department is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water supplies. They implement regulations, conduct testing, and oversee water treatment facilities to protect public health. The Department of Health’s focus on managing and monitoring drinking water quality aligns with their responsibility to safeguard citizens from waterborne contaminants and diseases.

In this context, the other choices may have relevant roles, but they do not specifically focus on the supply of drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national standards and regulations regarding drinking water, but it is the state-level Department of Health that directly oversees the implementation of those standards. The Department of Natural Resources often deals with broader environmental issues, including water resource management, but not specifically drinking water quality. The State Water Commission typically handles water rights and allocation rather than direct oversight of drinking water safety. Therefore, the Department of Health is the appropriate authority in ensuring the supply of safe drinking water.