This bill aims to enhance the management and protection of public water systems in West Virginia by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It removes the Public Water System Supply Study Commission and replaces it with a section on definitions relevant to public water systems. The bill mandates the creation of a water level status plan for aboveground water storage tanks, requiring owners to provide updates on tank levels at least twice daily and to utilize telemetry where feasible. Additionally, public water systems are required to submit quarterly operational and financial reports, participate in Open Checkbooks, and undergo independent reviews if they receive five or more formal complaints in a quarter.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of communication during service disruptions by requiring public service districts to assign a communication officer and provide timely updates to customers. It also addresses the shortage of qualified water plant workers by directing the Public Service Commission to develop a plan to promote water careers and explore financial incentives to attract skilled workers. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and workforce availability within West Virginia's public water systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-31-2, 22-31-3, 22-31-4, 22-31-5, 22-31-6