West VirginiaWest Virginia water systems follow risk-based backflow inspection schedules
West Virginia law limits inspections of low-hazard backflow devices, requires annual checks of high-hazard devices, and requires systems to keep maintenance records.
What it does
Low-hazard backflow devices may be inspected no more than once every three years; high-hazard devices must be inspected annually.
Water systems must keep records of maintenance on required backflow devices and provide them to the commissioner when asked.
Argument forWater providers could spend less time on inspections for low-hazard systems while keeping annual checks for systems that pose greater health risks.
Argument againstAnnual inspections may take time and resources for systems with high health risks, even when those systems must be checked each year.
More detail
The secretary may not require low-hazard devices to be inspected more than once every three years, and high-hazard devices must be inspected annually. These rules cover backflow prevention devices required for a water system. Low-hazard means a hazard that could cause aesthetic problems or have a harmful secondary effect on drinking water quality. High-hazard means a hazard that could introduce disease-causing organisms or harmful substances into a public water system and poses an unreasonable health risk. The law took effect June 10, 2026, 90 days after passage.
Water systems must document all maintenance on required backflow prevention devices and give the records to the commissioner upon request. This applies to water systems the commissioner determines must have a backflow prevention device. The law took effect June 10, 2026, 90 days after passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 25Chapter 268, Acts, Regular Session, 2026Latest
- Mar 27Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 3/27/2026Major
- Mar 18To Governor 3/18/2026To Governor
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 3/27/2026 - Senate JournalMajor
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 3/27/2026 - House JournalBecame Law
- Mar 14To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate JournalMinor
- Mar 13House Message received
- Mar 12Completed legislative action
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 12Communicated to Senate
- Mar 12Passed House (Roll No. 430)Passed House
- Mar 12Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 12Amendment ruled not germane
- Mar 12Amendment reported by the Clerk
- Mar 12Reported by the Clerk
- Mar 12On 3rd reading with right to amend, Special Calendar
- Mar 10Postponed on 2nd reading, Special Calendar, until 3/11/2026
- Mar 10On 2nd reading, Special Calendar
- Mar 9Read 1st timeMinor
- Mar 9Immediate consideration
- Mar 9Do pass
- Feb 9To House Government OrganizationMinor
- Feb 9To Government OrganizationMinor
- Feb 9Introduced in HouseMinor
- Feb 9House received Senate message
- Feb 6Ordered to House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 6Passed Senate (Roll No. 51)Passed Senate
- Feb 6Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 6On 3rd reading
- Feb 5Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 5On 2nd reading
- Feb 4Read 1st timeMinor
- Feb 4On 1st reading
- Feb 3Reported do passMinor
- Jan 23To Energy, Industry, and Mining
- Jan 23Introduced in SenateMinor
- Jan 23To Energy, Industry, and Mining
- Jan 23Filed for introductionIntroduced
Public SafetyEnvironment & Energy