This bill amends the Water Resources Protection Act in West Virginia by introducing new reporting requirements specifically for underground water extracted in growth counties. The secretary is tasked with establishing a plan that includes limitations on water extraction by commercial users to prevent adverse impacts on the underground water supply, particularly for residents and farmers relying on wells. The bill emphasizes prioritizing groundwater use for individual residents and farmers, as well as activities on the land from which the water is drawn. Additionally, it clarifies that "extracted" refers to water taken from subsurface wells for commercial sale or shipment outside of West Virginia.

The bill also includes a provision for the secretary to develop definitions for terms used in the State Water Resources Management Plan, ensuring consistency across various state and federal entities. The overall goal of the legislation is to enhance the management and protection of water resources in growth counties, addressing potential conflicts and ensuring sustainable use of groundwater.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-26-8