CT HB05154

Water Planning Council must review state and local drought authorizations, processes, and water use restrictions in Connecticut.

Council must adopt a comprehensive state drought plan and submit a report to relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2019.

State drought plan must include processes for issuing drought advisories, watches, warnings, and emergencies with specific triggers based on reservoir and water supply depletion levels.

Plan must establish voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions for each drought level and create a public notification system using websites and social media of affected water companies and municipalities.

Council must evaluate the viability and effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with mandatory water use restrictions.