15A NCAC 02E .0611      AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

(a)  Agricultural and horticultural water users subject to the water withdrawal registration requirements of G.S. 143-215.22H shall develop a written plan for responding to water shortages to maximize water use efficiency and reduce water usage to the maximum extent possible. Any of the guidance documents on best management practices for the efficient use of water in agricultural and horticultural operations developed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation, North Carolina State University, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, or other industry trade organizations may be used to assist agricultural and horticultural water users identify the most appropriate water use efficiency measures that they may incorporate into the plan for their particular operational needs.

(b)  When a region of the State is designated as suffering from Severe Drought, Extreme Drought, or Exceptional Drought by a NCDMAC drought advisory, agricultural and horticultural water users shall reexamine and maintain water delivery systems to minimize water loss and maximize water use efficiency.

(c)  Agricultural and horticultural water users that depend on the water storage of a privately or publicly owned impoundment or withdraw water under a contract issued by the owner of an impoundment shall have a written plan for responding to water shortages that is consistent with the provisions of the contract and with any Water Shortage Response Plan provisions established by the owner of the impoundment.

History Note:        Authority S.L. 2002-167;

Eff. March 19, 2007;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2022.