This week, West Virginians have two important opportunities to weigh in on how our state safeguards clean water — for drinking, for recreation, and for future generations. Whether you join in person or virtually, your voice is needed!

Monday, June 16 @ 6:00 PM (Virtual)
WVDEP Public Hearing on Water Quality Standards, Pollution Discharge Permits, and Injection Control Rules
This hearing covers proposed changes to three crucial rules that shape water protections statewide —  spurred by House Bill 2233. This includes controversial revisions to how pollutants are regulated in streams.

• Join the virtual hearing: meet.google.com/sho-toeo-aof
• Or dial: +1 219-213-6293 | PIN: 326 891 578#
• Comments due by June 30

These changes passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, but must still be approved by EPA. Tell WVDEP:

1. To protect public health, treat all surface waters in WV as future drinking water sources and preserve Category A protections.
2. The proposed changes to discharge permits do not comply with the Clean Water Act and EPA’s stance that extended or expired permits cannot be modified.

Wednesday, June 18 @ 9:30 AM (In-Person or Virtual)
WVDEP Public Meeting on the 2026 Clean Water & Drinking Water Funding Plan
This is your chance to learn how state and federal dollars will be prioritized to fix aging infrastructure, fund upgrades, and protect our drinking water systems.

• Attend in person: WVDEP Headquarters, 601 57th St SE, Charleston, WV
• Or join virtually: meet.google.com/yzc-duqu-poo
• Dial in: +1 208-696-4303 | PIN: 860 396 880#
• To request the full draft plan, contact Katheryn Emery at katheryn.d.emery@wv.gov

The decisions being made affect our communities, our health, and our future — and these meetings offer a chance to influence how our state addresses pollution, protects drinking water, and invests in clean water infrastructure.

If you’d like help creating a comment, reach out to us at wvrivers@wvrivers.org.

Thank you for speaking up for clean water with us!

-WV Rivers Coalition