Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-378 (2025)

(a) If a water supply emergency has been declared by the Governor or otherwise according to law, the commissioner shall have the power to: (1) Temporarily suspend a permit for diversion or impose conditions upon permit holders without a hearing for a period of thirty days, which period may be extended once for a similar period. If the commissioner determines that it is necessary to extend a temporary suspension or the conditions imposed upon a permit holder, he shall, upon written request from the permit holder, hold a hearing on such determination within ten days of the extension order; (2) with the approval of the Governor, authorize a person or municipality, without hearing and notwithstanding any provisions of sections 22a-365 to 22a-378, inclusive, or the general statutes or any special act to the contrary, to divert such quantities of water as the commissioner deems necessary and proper to ease emergency conditions for a period of thirty days, which period may be extended twice for like periods except that the commissioner shall not authorize a diversion if such diversion would adversely impact an area where a public drinking water supply emergency has been declared pursuant to section 25-32b. In taking such action, the commissioner shall consult with the Commissioner of Public Health and such other state agencies and municipal officials as he deems necessary and advisable.

(b) Any person who during the course of a water supply emergency declared in accordance with subsection (a) of this section violates the provisions of any order issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or who impedes, interferes with or obstructs any lawful water supply emergency activities pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, for each offense.

(P.A. 82-402, S. 14, 16; P.A. 84-281, S. 3, 4; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)

History: P.A. 84-281 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision prohibiting a diversion which would adversely impact an area where a public drinking water supply emergency has been declared; P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995.

Cited. 28 CA 674.

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