Alabama Drought Water Restrictions Authority Statewide

Under Ala. Code §§ 9-10B-1 through 9-10B-30, the Office of Water Resources within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) monitors water supply, declares drought stages, and coordinates statewide response under the Alabama Drought Management Plan. Public water systems serving twenty-five or more customers must adopt drought response measures consistent with the state plan when stages are declared. Cities and water utilities may impose stricter outdoor watering schedules locally, but the framework, declaration authority, and emergency powers reside with the state. Agricultural irrigation withdrawals over 100,000 gallons per day require Certificates of Use under § 9-10B-20.

Public water systems failing to adopt required drought measures may face administrative orders. Unauthorized large withdrawals without a Certificate of Use are subject to civil penalties under ADECA enforcement.