The new law changing the structure of the Birmingham Water Works Board expands the current five-member board to a seven dominated by appointees from outside the city of Birmingham, reducing city’s seats to just two.

A bill that would make major changes to the composition of the Birmingham Water Works Board passed the House and Senate. The bill now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for approval.Senate Bill 330 would convert the Birmingham Water Works Board into a regional board and terminate the terms of all current BWWB members upon passage.

For years, legislatures have tried to revamp the makeup of the Birmingham Water Works Board. Essentially, it’s all about power, who gets the most representation on the board.