This bill amends sections 16-1-4 and 16-1-9a of the Code of West Virginia, focusing on the regulation of public water systems and the inspection of backflow prevention assemblies. It introduces two classifications for backflow prevention assemblies: low-hazard and high-hazard. The Secretary of the Department of Health is prohibited from requiring inspections of low-hazard backflow prevention assemblies more frequently than once every three years. In contrast, high-hazard assemblies, which pose a significant risk of introducing harmful substances into the public water system, must be inspected annually.

Additionally, the bill updates the terminology from "commissioner" to "secretary" throughout the relevant sections, ensuring consistency in the language used. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe drinking water standards and outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary in regulating public water systems, including establishing maximum contaminant levels and treatment techniques. The bill also stipulates civil penalties for violations of its provisions, with penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the nature of the violation. All collected penalties will be deposited into the Safe Drinking Water Fund to support technical assistance for public water systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-1-4, 16-1-9a
Committee Substitute: 16-1-4, 16-1-9a