CHAPTER 14. WATER SHORTAGE TASK FORCE
IC 14-25-14
Chapter 14. Water Shortage Task Force
IC 14-25-14-1
"Task force"
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "task force" refers to the water
shortage task force established by section 2 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-2
Task force established; purposes; reports
Sec. 2. (a) The water shortage task force is established for the
following purposes:
(1) To implement the 1994 water shortage plan when necessary.
(2) With the involvement of affected parties, to update, expand,
and revise the 1994 water shortage plan to include a low flow
and drought priority use schedule.
(3) To accomplish the following:
(A) Establish procedures to monitor, assess, and inform the
public about the status of surface and ground water shortages
for all uses in all watersheds, especially shortages due to
drought.
(B) Recommend a state policy on desired baseline flow
maintenance for in-stream uses.
(C) Recommend a state policy for promoting water
conservation.
(D) Prepare a biennial report on the status of current surface
and ground water withdrawals in all Indiana watersheds that:
(i) distinguishes between consumptive and
nonconsumptive withdrawals; and
(ii) notes areas of current or likely water shortage
challenges based on current usage trends and current
knowledge of hydrology.
(E) Collect information concerning illustrative past and
current surface water and ground water allocation conflicts
in the state and how conflicts have been resolved.
(4) To encourage units of local government to:
(A) pass ordinances that:
(i) promote water conservation; and
(ii) establish priorities of water usage during droughts,
including suggested model ordinances for counties and
municipalities; and
(B) publicize the need for local communities to be prepared
for droughts.
(5) To prepare an annual report on progress in implementing the
tasks listed in subdivisions (3) and (4).
(b) The task force shall provide the reports required under
subsection (a) to:
(1) the water resources study committee established by
IC 2-5-25-1; and
(2) the legislative council, in an electronic format under
IC 5-14-6.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-3
Membership
Sec. 3. (a) The task force consists of ten (10) individuals, not
more than five (5) of whom may be members of the same political
party, representing the following interests, appointed by the director
for four (4) year terms:
(1) Key water withdrawal users, including the following:
(A) Public water supply utilities.
(B) Agriculture.
(C) Steam electric generating utility companies.
(D) Industrial users.
(2) Academic experts in aquatic habitat and hydrology.
(3) Municipalities.
(4) Key stakeholders, including the following:
(A) Environmentalists.
(B) Consumer advocates.
(C) Economic development advocates.
(D) The public.
(b) The director shall serve on and is chairperson of the task force.
The department shall provide staff support for the task force.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-4
Agency representatives
Sec. 4. (a) Each of the following state agencies shall designate a
representative to advise the task force:
(1) The department.
(2) The department of environmental management.
(3) The department of homeland security.
(4) The Indiana state department of agriculture.
(5) The state department of health.
(b) In addition to the representatives set forth in subsection (a),
the director may invite representatives of other state and federal
agencies as appropriate to advise the task force.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.120-2008,
SEC.10.
IC 14-25-14-5
Majority vote required for action
Sec. 5. The affirmative votes of a majority of the voting members
of the task force are required for the task force to take action on a
measure.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-6
Initial meeting; activities; time frame
Sec. 6. At its first meeting, the task force shall establish:
(1) a list of its activities; and
(2) the time frame under which it will implement the tasks listed
in section 2(a)(3) and 2(a)(4) of this chapter.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.