Alabama Statewide Rule
Alabama Drought Water Restrictions Authority Statewide
Key Facts
- Governing act
- Ala. Code § 9-10B-1 et seq.
- Lead agency
- ADECA Office of Water Resources
- Drought plan
- Statewide Alabama Drought Management Plan
- Certificate threshold
- 100,000 gallons per day
- Local utilities
- Must follow state stages
Summary
The Alabama Water Resources Act (Ala. Code Title 9, Chapter 10B) gives the Office of Water Resources authority to declare drought stages and trigger conservation measures. Local water restrictions must operate within this statewide drought management framework administered by ADECA.
(a) Upon the designation of any area of the state as a capacity stress area where the commission specifically finds the implementation of a use restriction alternative is necessary because the aggregate existing or reasonably foreseeable uses of the waters of the state in such an area exceed or will exceed the availability of such waters and is required to protect the availability of the waters of the state within such area, the commission shall immediately initiate rule-making procedures to consider appropriate conditions or limitations applicable to all certificates of use within such area; provided, however, that the commission shall not adopt or promulgate any rule or regulation with respect to any capacity stress area without the concurrence of 13 of the members of the commission. Any such conditions or limitations shall be confined to matters necessary for the protection of the beneficial use of the waters of the state.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who declares drought emergencies in Alabama?
Do I need a permit to irrigate from a private well?
Can my city impose stricter watering rules?
Sources
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