(a) Short title. — This article may be known and cited as the Water Resources Protection and Management Act.
(b) Legislative findings. —
(1) The West Virginia Legislature finds that it is the public policy of the State of West Virginia to protect and conserve the water resources for the state and to provide for the public welfare. The state's water resources are vital natural resources of the state that are essential to maintain, preserve and promote quality of life and economic vitality of the state.