A. The department of environmental quality is designated as the responsible agency for this state to take all actions necessary or appropriate to ensure that all potable water distributed or sold to the public through public water systems is free from unwholesome, poisonous, deleterious or other foreign substances and filth or disease causing substances or organisms. All such actions shall be taken at the direction of the director of the department.

B. All state agencies and any local health agencies involved with water quality, at the request of the director, shall provide to the department any assistance requested to ensure that this article is effectuated.