(A) The objective of this chapter is to establish authority, policy and procedure by which the town waterworks will take the proper actions to manage water demand during a drought-related shortage. The chapter satisfies the requirements of the Drought Response Act of 2000 and has the goal of achieving the greatest public benefit from limited supplies of water needed for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire protection and of allocating water for other purposes in an equitable manner.
(B) This chapter outlines the actions to be taken for the conservation of water supplied by the town waterworks. These actions are directed both towards an overall reduction in water usage and the optimization of supply.
(C) To satisfy these goals, the town waterworks hereby adopts the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water. This chapter is hereby declared necessary for the protection of public health, safety and welfare and shall take effect upon its adoption by the town waterworks.
(D) If it becomes necessary to conserve water in its service area due to drought, the town waterworks is authorized to issue a proclamation that existing conditions prevent fulfillment of the usual water use demands. The proclamation is an attempt to prevent depleting the water supply to the extent that water use for human consumption, sanitation, fire protection, and other essential needs becomes endangered.
(E) Immediately upon issuance of such a proclamation, regulations and restrictions set forth under this chapter shall become effective and remain in effect until the water supply shortage has ended and the proclamation rescinded.
(F) Water uses that are regulated or prohibited under this chapter are considered to be non-essential and continuation of such uses during times of water supply shortages is deemed to constitute a waste of water, subjecting the offender(s) to penalties.
(G) The Drought Management Plan as outlined in this chapter is hereby approved.
(Ord. 03-05, passed 6-2-03)