(a) Whenever a shortage of water needed for essential uses exists because of climatic conditions or because of other emergencies which threaten the order, health, safety and general welfare of the public, the Director may declare and proclaim a water emergency. Such an emergency shall be deemed to continue until it is declared by the Director to have ended.

(b) In the event of a proclamation of water emergency, the Director shall forthwith cause appropriate notice thereof to be published in the newspaper and broadcast by all other available media. (Code 1981 § 44-163. Code 1995 § 146-168.)