CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A new bill introduced in the West Virginia Legislature would create a major clean-water program aimed at improving drinking water systems across southern parts of the state.
House Bill 5525 proposes establishing the Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund Act of 2026, designed to strengthen water quality standards, upgrade infrastructure, and reduce contamination risks in multiple counties.
Stronger water safety rules
Under the proposal, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection would be required to adopt drinking-water standards that meet or exceed federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The bill also calls for updating limits on contaminants — including lead, arsenic, and PFAS chemicals — every three years based on scientific research.
Water utilities would also be required to install advanced filtration systems if contaminant levels exceed safe limits.
Funding for upgrades and rural systems
The legislation would establish a state clean-water fund to provide grants and low-interest loans for upgrading treatment plants and replacing aging pipelines. Priority would go to rural or underserved communities without reliable access to safe drinking water.
The bill includes an initial $10 million appropriation for water improvement programs, with additional federal and private funding expected to supplement the effort.
Mandatory testing and faster public alerts
Public water systems would be required to test for contaminants such as lead, bacteria, and nitrates every quarter. Results would have to be posted publicly within 30 days, and any unsafe levels would need to be reported to residents within 24 hours along with a plan to fix the issue.
Lead pipe removal plan
The proposal also includes a statewide survey of lead service lines by 2027 and a phased program to remove all lead pipes by 2035. Financial help would be available for low-income households needing pipe replacement.
Enforcement measures
Water utilities that fail to meet safety standards could face fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation. Repeat violations could result in temporary state control of a noncompliant water system.
If passed, the bill would apply to Boone, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
The measure has been referred to committee for further review.
