The commission may from time to time after public hearing upon due notice determine and delineate such areas within the basin wherein the demands upon supply made by water users have developed or threaten to develop to such a degree as to create a water shortage or to impair or conflict with the requirements or effectuation of the comprehensive plan, and any such areas may be designated as “protected areas.” The commission, whenever it determines that such shortage no longer exists, shall terminate the protected status of such area and shall give public notice of such termination.

L.1961, c. 13, p. 64, s. 10.2.