Morrisey Announces $3.2M for Rural Water Filtration
Funding will help 5,000 homes in McDowell and Mingo counties that rely on private wells, springs, or cisterns.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Utilities
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West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced $3.2 million for water filtration for households in McDowell and Mingo counties. The funds will pay for well testing, disinfection, filtration, and replacement filters for eligible homes.
Why it matters
Extending public water lines to every rural home takes time, and some households are spending thousands of dollars a year on bottled water. The funding offers an interim solution for residents in West Virginia's southern coalfield counties.
The $3.2 million is split between $1.2 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program and $2 million from the governor's Civil Contingent Fund. Coliform bacteria has been found in 90% of wells and springs in the region, while the managing organization has yet to be chosen.
The players
Patrick Morrisey
Patrick Morrisey is the Governor of West Virginia who announced the water filtration funding for McDowell and Mingo counties.
West Virginia Department of Health
The West Virginia Department of Health is the state agency co-leading the search for an organization to manage water testing and distribution.
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is the state agency co-leading the search for an organization to manage water testing and distribution.
The details
Eligible households that use private wells, springs, or cisterns can receive well testing, disinfection, filtration, and replacement filters. The state Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection are seeking a qualified organization to manage distribution and testing, and heavy iron levels have caused staining in sinks, tubs, and laundry.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Governor Morrisey announced the $3.2 million in funding.
August: Earlier progress on the initiative was made.
February: Distribution of the funds is expected to start.
Roadmap
The $1.2 million federal share draws on the Rural Health Transformation Program, extending federal health dollars to private water systems that public utility lines have not yet reached. The state is using this interim filtration approach while longer-term public water line extensions to rural homes continue to take time.
Eligible homeowners in McDowell and Mingo counties who rely on private wells, springs, or cisterns could receive free well testing, disinfection, filtration, and replacement filters. Residents who currently buy bottled water may reduce those costs once distribution begins in February.
The takeaway
Households on private wells in rural West Virginia should consider testing their water, since coliform bacteria has been found in 90% of wells and springs in the region. Watching for updates on the selection of the managing organization can help eligible residents prepare for distribution.
What happens next
Distribution of the filtration funds is expected to begin in February, and the managing organization must be selected before that date.
Further reading
For more on how water service is provided across the state, browse Utilities coverage in West Virginia.
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