About
In 2004, the West Virginia legislature passed the Water Resources Protection Act. The purpose of the act was
to gather Water Use information on the quantity and use of state surface and groundwater resources. In 2008,
the act was amended and renamed the Water Resources Protection and Management Act. The amended act required
the development of a water resources management plan for the state by 2013. A Water Resources Management
Plan for the State was adopted in March of 2014 and can be downloaded from WVWaterPlan. Progress reports to
the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources are required each November.
2016 - Large Quantity User Updates
Effective January 1, 2015, the minimum reporting threshold has been lowered to 300,000 gallons withdrawn
from surface or groundwater sources in any 30-day period. Annual reporting must include monthly water
withdrawal as mandated under the Water Resources Protection Act. The LQU reporting method has changed from
paper forms to digital format. Large quantity users are now required to submit their annual water usage in
the WVDEP's Electronic Submission System.
If you are a large quantity user and are required to complete an annual user certification, please see the
Large Quantity link for additional information and instructions.