An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management

SD 171 establishes a state drought management task force within the Massachusetts Office to coordinate drought response. The task force, appointed by the secretary and emergency management director, collects data, coordinates agencies, and recommends drought levels and responses to officials. It authorizes the secretary to impose uniform water conservation measures (like limiting nonessential outdoor use) in drought regions to protect public health and the environment. Cities and towns must enforce these secretary-issued restrictions, overriding conflicting local rules.