SECTION 1. Section 46-15-14 of the General Laws in Chapter 46-15 entitled "Water Resources Board" is hereby amended to read as follows:

46-15-14. Emergencies and imminent hazards. -- The division of planning, subject to the approval of the governor, shall promulgate an adequate plan for the provision of safe drinking water for the inhabitants of the state when a water emergency has been declared by the governor. A water emergency shall include floods or situations in which water supplies are insufficient to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the state either through a water shortage or contamination of water supplies. In a water emergency, the governor may take such actions and issue such orders as may be necessary to implement the plan, including the imposition of conservation measures and the allocation of water supplies. The actions and orders may be directed to state agencies, municipalities, or entities engaged in the sale of water to the public. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility for setting rates for the purchase and sale of water shall not be affected by this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.