Clean water access in southern counties
Communities in southern coal counties have waited decades for reliable clean water. Lawmakers approved tens of millions for statewide water projects but blocked additional targeted funding that advocates say is still far short of the hundreds of millions needed in the worst-affected areas.
How should the state address long-standing clean water needs in southern West Virginia?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Mountain State Spotlight — https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/03/15/2026-legislative-session-wrap-up
Lawmakers blocked multiple attempts to secure additional funding for the region to address the water crisis. They secured $76 million for water projects across the state, with no guarantee that the funding will reach those who need it most. It would take nearly $300 million to fund water projects in just four of those counties.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Commit hundreds of millions in state funds specifically to southern coal-county water systems now
- Guarantee a large share of water appropriations go to the longest-waiting counties first
- Continue statewide water grants at current levels without geographic set-asides
- Favor local and private financing with limited state matching grants only
- Minimize new state water spending and leave projects to federal or local sources