SB 586 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Modifying requirements for public water systems

SB 586 classifies backflow prevention devices in public water systems as "low-hazard" (causing only aesthetic issues or minor water quality effects) or "high-hazard" (risking disease or chemical contamination). It requires annual inspections for high-hazard systems but limits low-hazard system inspections to once every three years. This affects all public water systems in West Virginia, particularly smaller providers with low-hazard systems, by reducing their inspection burden. The bill amends existing water safety regulations to clarify these inspection frequency requirements without changing safety standards for high-hazard systems.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Signed Jun 25, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version Enrolled Version · 6 edits · Mar 14, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was converted from a draft introduction to a final enrolled version, adding new sections on funding distribution for local health departments, specific fee structures, and detailed enforcement penalties. It also introduced a new article regarding the regulation of public water systems, establishing distinct inspection schedules for low-hazard (every three years) and high-hazard (annually) backflow prevention assemblies.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded significantly by adding a new section (§16-1-9a) dedicated to the regulation of public water systems, which was not present in the introduced version. Additionally, the scope of rule-making authority under §16-1-4 was broadened to include fees, data collection, and state aid distribution.
REQUIREMENT

Added a new section (§16-1-9a) creating specific regulations for public water systems, including mandatory contaminant levels, treatment techniques, and wellhead protection provisions.

Established a two-tier inspection schedule for backflow prevention assemblies: low-hazard systems must be inspected every three years, while high-hazard systems must be inspected annually.

Expanded the list of rule-making authorities under §16-1-4 to include fees for public health services, data collection on health status, and the distribution of state aid funds.

FISCAL

Added detailed provisions for distributing state aid to local health departments based on population, poverty, and health status, including an emergency fund mechanism.

ENFORCEMENT

Introduced specific civil penalties for violations, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for standard violations and up to $10,000 for willful violations, with funds directed to a Safe Drinking Water Fund.

TIMELINE

Added specific deadlines for public water systems to report advisories within six hours and implement text/voice alert systems by January 1, 2022.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 6, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 12, 2026

How they voted

320
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 33
Feb 6, 2026
D Democratic2
2 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican31
30 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
36
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Amendments
2
Mar 27, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 3/27/2026
upper
Mar 14, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal
upper
Mar 14, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed House (Roll No. 430)
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced
Amendment ruled not germane
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced
Amendment reported by the Clerk
lower
Mar 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Do pass
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 51)
upper
Feb 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported do pass
upper
Jan 23, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors