2011 Indiana Code
TITLE 14. NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
ARTICLE 25. WATER RIGHTS AND RESOURCES
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.