(1) Where the Minister, after consultation with the District Assembly of any area, is satisfied that because of drought or because of an accident or any unforeseen circumstances, a serious deficiency of water for essential domestic purposes exists or is threatened in any area, he may by notice in the Gazette declare that a water emergency exists in the area concerned.

(2) The Minister may after a declaration of water emergency, permit any person who has supply of water in excess of his domestic purposes to supply water to the area affected or to any other person, for such period as he shall specify from the excess quantity of water.