It is hereby declared to be the public policy of the State of West Virginia and a responsibility of the State of West Virginia, through the establishment, funding, operation and maintenance of water development projects, to maintain, preserve, protect, conserve and in all instances possible to improve the purity and quality of water within the state in order to: (1) Protect and improve public health; (2) assure the fullest use and enjoyment of such water by the public; (3) provide suitable environment for the propagation and protection of animal, bird, fish, aquatic and plant life, all of which are essential to the health and well-being of the public; and (4) provide water of the necessary quality and in the amount needed for the development, maintenance and expansion of, and to attract service industries and businesses, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and other types of businesses and industries.

To assist in the preservation, protection, improvement and management of the purity and quality of the waters of this state, to prevent or abate pollution of water resources and to promote the health and welfare of citizens of this state, it is the purpose and intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to provide for the necessary, dependable, effective and efficient purification of water; the disposal of liquid and solid wastes harmful to the public health and safety removed from such water; to improve water and stream quality; and to assist and cooperate with governmental agencies in achieving all of the purposes set forth in this section.

The Legislature finds and hereby declares that the responsibility of the state as outlined above cannot be effectively met without the establishment, funding, operation and maintenance of water development projects as provided for in this article.