Power of Minister in water related emergencies

(1) Where the Minister is satisfied that by reason of an exceptional shortage of rain, or contamination of water sources or watercourses, a serious deficiency of water supply exists or is threatened, then he shall by Regulations and after consultation with the licensee and the P.U.C., and the Department of the Environment, in the case of contamination of water sources or watercourses, and subject to the provisions of this section, make such provision as appears to him to be expedient, with a view to meeting such deficiency. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1), Regulations made under this section may include provisions authorizing the licensee to46 (a) take water from any source specified in the (b) prohibit or limit the use of water for any (c) prohibit or limit the taking by any person of water from a source specified in the Regulations if the Minister is satisfied that the taking of water from that source seriously affects the supplies available to the licensee; or (d) supply water by means of standpipes or water tanks, and to erect or set up and maintain standpipes or water tanks in any street. (3) The Minister shall give reasonable public notice of the making of any Regulations under sub-section (1); and the licensee is liable to pay compensation to any person who suffers damage by reason of anything done or omitted by the licensee in pursuance of such Regulations. (4) Regulations made under sub-section (1), shall remain in force no longer than is necessary to meet the deficiency or impending deficiency but shall be revoked as soon as practicable after the deficiency or impending deficiency has been made good or removed. standpipes.