A. The Board by regulation shall determine when the level of flow is such that permit conditions in a surface water management area are in force. As a part of this regulation, the Board shall adopt a reasonable system of water-use classification according to classes of beneficial uses. The Board may include provisions for variances and alternative measures to prevent undue hardship and ensure equitable distribution of water resources.
B. The regulations may provide that the Board, or the Board's Executive Director, by order may declare that the level of flow is such that permit conditions are applicable for all or part of a surface water management area.
C. The Board may impose such restrictions on one or more classes of water uses as may be necessary to protect the surface water resources of the area from serious harm.
D. Regulations shall provide for the means for a declaration of water shortage to be rescinded.
E. When permit conditions become applicable in a surface water management area, the Board shall notify each permittee by mail or cause notice thereof to be published in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the area. Publication of such notice will serve as notice to all permit holders in the area.
1989, c. 721.