(1) Where on the advice of the Agency the Minister is satisfied that by reason of an exceptional shortage of rain, or contamination of water, a serious deficiency of supplies of water exists or is threatened, the Minister shall forthwith, by order published in the Gazette, in at least 2 newspapers in general weekly circulation in Saint Lucia and by any other media declare a water-related emergency and may—
(a) permit the taking of water from any source specified in the order;
(b) prohibit or limit the use of water for any purpose specified in the order;
(c) prohibit or limit the taking by any person of water from a source specified in the order if the Minister is satisfied that the taking of water from that source depletes or otherwise affects the supplies available to the public;
(d) prohibit any activity which may cause the contamination of the water; and
(e) cater for any other matter as appears to the Minister to be expedient to meet the water-related emergency.
(2) An order made under subsection (1) shall be revoked by the Minister by order published in the Gazette, in at least 2 newspapers in general weekly circulation in Saint Lucia and by any other media, as soon as practicable after the deficiency or threatened deficiency has been made good or removed.
(3) A person who contravenes a provision of an Order made pursuant to subsection (1)(b), (c) or (d) commits an offence and upon summary conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both. (Substituted by Act 3 of 2016)