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West VirginiaSB 5862026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Modifying requirements for public water systems

Sponsored By: Carl Martin (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§16-1-4§16-1-9A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger enforcement for water systems

The Secretary can enter any public water system to inspect, sample, test, and require records. After an evaluation, a system must send a written corrective plan within 30 days. Violations cost $1,000 to $5,000 for each day; willful violations up to $10,000 per day. Each day is a separate offense. The Secretary can ask a court to stop threatened or ongoing violations. Penalties go to the Safe Drinking Water Fund for technical help.

Faster boil-water alerts to you

Starting July 1, 2020, systems must tell local health and 911 about each advisory and when it ends within six hours. Starting January 1, 2022, systems must promptly send boil-water advisories by text or voice to customers who sign up.

Small pool repairs skip state review

Repairs or equipment upgrades at public pools that do not change the pool’s use and cost $25,000 or less do not need state review. Larger projects or those that change scope still need review.

State sets water safety rules

The Secretary sets rules that limit contaminants and require proper treatment. The rules cover wellhead and well-field protection, sampling and testing, and system operation. They also set public notice, recordkeeping, lab certification, and variances and exemptions. Bottled water and taste, odor, and appearance standards are included.

Fewer state limits on large lots

The state cannot restrict subdivision of single-family lots over two acres with at least 150 feet of average frontage. This applies only when lots are used for single-family homes. The Department can still limit higher-density projects, regulate single-family sewer systems, and block projects that threaten public health, streams, or water supplies.

Backflow device checks by risk level

The law sets low- and high-hazard classes for backflow devices. Low-hazard systems cannot be required to inspect more than once every three years. High-hazard systems must be inspected every year. The Commissioner may require a backflow device. You must keep maintenance records and give them on request.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jay Taylor

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 101 • No: 27

House vote • 3/12/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 430)

Yes: 68 • No: 27

Senate vote • 2/6/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 51)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026

    3/27/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  5. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. House Message received

    3/13/2026Senate

  7. On 3rd reading with right to amend, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  8. Reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  9. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  10. Amendment ruled not germane

    3/12/2026House

  11. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026House

  12. Passed House (Roll No. 430)

    3/12/2026House

  13. Communicated to Senate

    3/12/2026House

  14. Completed legislative action

    3/12/2026House

  15. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/10/2026House

  16. Postponed on 2nd reading, Special Calendar, until 3/11/2026

    3/10/2026House

  17. Do pass

    3/9/2026House

  18. Immediate consideration

    3/9/2026House

  19. Read 1st time

    3/9/2026House

  20. House received Senate message

    2/9/2026House

  21. Introduced in House

    2/9/2026House

  22. To Government Organization

    2/9/2026House

  23. To House Government Organization

    2/9/2026House

  24. On 3rd reading

    2/6/2026Senate

  25. Read 3rd time

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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