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HB 348

Residential Well Water Testing and Treatment Program and Fund; established.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Runion and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia establishes a residential well water testing and treatment program with dedicated funding to improve water quality access for private well owners in underserved areas.

Assigned HAPP sub: Health & Human Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 348

Legislative bill overview

HB 348 establishes a new residential well water testing and treatment program in Virginia, along with a dedicated fund to support it. The bill aims to provide testing services and treatment solutions for private well owners who may lack access to municipal water systems.

Why is this important

Approximately 2 million Virginians rely on private wells for drinking water, which are not regulated by the EPA like public water systems. Well contamination—from bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, or industrial pollutants—poses serious health risks, particularly in rural areas where testing can be expensive and treatment options limited. This program addresses a public health gap by making water quality assessment and remediation more accessible.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The bill creates a new fund without clear details on revenue sources (general funds, user fees, or grants), raising questions about fiscal sustainability and who bears the cost
  • Program scope and standards: Ambiguity over which contaminants are tested, treatment standards applied, and whether the program covers treatment costs or just testing
  • Implementation burden: Local health departments or state agencies must administer the program; concerns about staffing, capacity, and timeline for rollout

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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