(1) The Water Resources Commission, upon a finding that a severe or continuing drought is likely to occur, may order individual state agencies and political subdivisions within any drainage basin or subbasin to develop and file with the commission, within 30 days following the order, a water conservation or curtailment plan or both. The commission may allow the state agencies and political subdivisions more than 30 days following the order to file the plan depending on the urgency for the plan.

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(2)(a) The water conservation plan shall specify efforts to be made:

(A) To reduce usage of water resources for nonessential public purposes;

(B) To undertake activities consistent with law designed to promote conservation, prevention of waste, salvage and reuse of water resources; and

(C) To establish programs consistent with law designed to promote conservation, prevention of waste, salvage and reuse of water resources.

(b) When a state agency or political subdivision files a water conservation plan with the Water Resources Commission, the commission shall review the plan and approve it if the commission finds that the plan satisfactorily promotes uniformity in water conservation practices and the coordination of usage regulation, taking into account local conditions.

(3)(a) The water curtailment plan, in order to provide water necessary for human and livestock consumption during a severe and continuing drought, shall specify efforts to be made:

(A) To curtail, adjust or allocate the supply of water resources for domestic, municipal and industrial use; and

(B) To regulate the times and manner in which water resources are consumed.

(b) When a state agency or political subdivision files a water curtailment plan with the Water Resources Commission, the commission shall review the plan and approve it if the commission finds that the plan satisfactorily promotes uniformity in water curtailment practices and the coordination of usage regulation, taking into account local conditions.

(4) If a state agency or political subdivision fails to file a water conservation or curtailment plan when so ordered, or if the commission does not approve a filed plan, the commission may develop appropriate plans. [1989 c.87 § 6]

PENALTIES