Environment (Drinking Water)

SB 457 requires West Virginia's Department of Health to evaluate public water systems for unsafe contaminant levels and provide water filtration equipment or technology to residents in areas where water exceeds safety thresholds. It directly affects residents served by public water systems contaminated with substances like PFAS, bacteria, chemicals, or disinfection byproducts that pose health risks for drinking or bathing. The department must determine unsafe levels based on specific contaminants and other factors, then distribute appropriate filtration solutions. This program would be implemented through department-developed rules, subject to legislative approval.

HB 4907 restricts the use of specific pesticides near schools in West Virginia. It prohibits applying pesticides containing paraquat, atrazine, dicamba, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-D, glyphosate, or PFAS chemicals within 1,000 feet of any school property. The law defines the 1,000-foot distance as measured from the school’s closest boundary point to the spraying area. This rule takes effect on January 1, 2027, directly affecting pesticide applicators working near schools.

HB 4642 establishes the West Virginia Clean Water Act of 2026, directly affecting all public water systems in the state and their residents. The bill sets stricter drinking water quality standards exceeding federal levels, requires quarterly testing for contaminants like lead and bacteria with public reporting within 30 days, and mandates annual infrastructure assessments. It creates the West Virginia Safe Water Fund to provide grants and low-interest loans for upgrading treatment systems and replacing aging pipes, with priority for rural and underserved communities. The law also requires a statewide lead pipe survey by 2028, phased removal of lead service lines by 2036, and financial assistance for low-income households, while imposing fines up to $100,000 for violations to fund the Safe Water Fund.

HB 5008 requires the West Virginia secretary to develop a State Water Resources Management Plan by November 30, 2013, in collaboration with state agencies, local governments, and large water users. The plan must include detailed assessments of surface and groundwater resources, inventories of large water withdrawals (including location and usage), and evaluations of water conflicts, shortages, and infrastructure needs. It also mandates identifying critical water planning areas where demand exceeds supply and assessing conservation opportunities, public water supply capabilities, and flood management challenges. This bill directly affects state water management agencies and large water users across West Virginia.

HB 4615 establishes a 12-member Public Water System Supply Study Commission to review and report on water system infrastructure, source protection plans, contamination response, and funding options for public water systems. The commission, appointed with members from the Governor, water associations, health departments, and environmental groups, must submit annual reports to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance starting December 2014. The bill defines "aboveground water storage tanks" (over 1,320 gallons, primarily non-earthen, >90% above ground) but does not directly change tank regulations or require new infrastructure. It focuses on studying existing challenges rather than implementing immediate policy changes for water systems.