Section 120. Drought response and contingency plans

A program that includes community water systems and self-supplied users who withdraw more than an average of 300,000 gallons per month of surface water and ground water shall contain drought response and contingency plans in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Drought response and contingency plans shall be structured to address the unique characteristics of the water source that is being utilized and the nature of the beneficial use of water.

2. Drought response and contingency plans shall contain, at a minimum, the following three graduated stages of responses to the onset of drought conditions:

a. Drought watch stage responses are generally responses that are intended to increase awareness in the public and private sector to climatic conditions that are likely to precede the occurrence of a significant drought event. Public outreach activities shall be identified to inform the population served by a community water system of the potential for drought conditions to intensify and potential water conservation activities that may be utilized.

b. Drought warning stage responses are generally responses that are required when the onset of a significant drought event is imminent. Voluntary water conservation activities shall be identified with the goal of reducing water use by 5-10%.

c. Drought emergency stage responses are generally responses that are required during the height of a significant drought event. Mandatory water conservation activities shall be identified with the goal of reducing water use by 10-15%.

3. Drought response and contingency plans shall include references to local ordinances, if adopted, and procedures for the implementation and enforcement of drought response and contingency plans.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 02, eff. November 2, 2005.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.38:1 of the Code of Virginia.