WELCH, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced a $3.2 million initiative to provide drinking water filtration systems to 5,000 households in McDowell and Mingo counties that rely on private wells, springs or cisterns.
The initiative combines $1.2 million in federal funding with $2 million from the governor’s Civil Contingent Fund.
The federal funding will provide filtration systems and water testing for 1,000 high-priority households, including homes without running water, homes with elevated bacteria or nitrate levels, and households with infants or senior citizens.
The state funding will provide equipment for an additional 4,000 homes.
“Clean, dependable drinking water is a basic necessity, and our families have gone without practical solutions for far too long,” Morrisey said. “This initiative gets filtration systems directly into homes, helping provide safer drinking water for more than 10,000 West Virginians.”
The initiative addresses groundwater concerns in the region. Studies by Virginia Tech and the U.S. Geological Survey found coliform bacteria in 65% to 90% of wells and springs tested.
The program also aims to help families dealing with high iron levels, which can stain fixtures, damage appliances and lead to additional expenses for bottled water.
Under the initiative, qualifying households will receive filtration systems, replacement filters and water testing. Homes with high-iron water also may receive settling tanks.
The state and federal programs will use a single sign-up process, with local navigators coordinating applications, testing and delivery. Partners will include the McDowell County Commission on Aging, food banks, churches and volunteer fire departments.
The West Virginia departments of Health and Environmental Protection are expected to open a competitive funding announcement this week to select an organization to manage the program. A final award is anticipated in January, with water testing and distribution expected to begin in February 2027.
“We can’t tell families who need safe drinking water today that they simply have to wait,” Morrisey said. “This initiative provides a practical solution while we continue making those longer-term investments.”
