Water Management Act 1999

The Minister may declare a water supply emergency if – the State's present water supply needs cannot be met, either generally or in respect of particular persons, activities or localities; or there is a serious risk that the State's immediately foreseeable water supply needs will be unable to be met, either generally or in respect of particular persons, activities or localities.

The declaration may be made by any means the Minister considers appropriate.

The declaration is to specify – the nature of the water supply emergency; and the period for which the water supply emergency will be in effect; and the persons, activities or localities to which the declaration relates; and such other matters as the Minister considers necessary or expedient.