This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to regulate public water systems by establishing two classifications of backflow prevention assemblies: low-hazard and high-hazard systems. 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 systems, which pose a significant risk of introducing harmful substances into the public water supply, must be inspected annually. The bill aims to streamline the inspection process while ensuring public health safety.

Additionally, the bill updates the terminology within the existing law, replacing references to "commissioner" with "secretary" to reflect the current organizational structure. It also clarifies the definitions of low-hazard and high-hazard systems, ensuring that the regulations are tailored to the level of risk they present. The overall intent of the legislation is to balance the need for public health protections with the operational realities of public water systems, thereby enhancing the efficiency of regulatory oversight.

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