In case of an emergency where the available supply of water becomes dangerously low, the Municipal Utilities Authority is hereby authorized to declare, by resolution, the existence of a water emergency. The resolution, hereinafter referred to as the "declaration," adopted by the Authority shall state that an emergency exists requiring the implementation of such measures for the conservation of water for domestic and sanitary purposes and fire protection as are specified in §
269-3.
Immediately following the passage of any of
the emergency declarations hereinbefore described, a copy of the declaration
shall be published in official Township newspapers circulated in the
Township and posted throughout the Township in the Municipal Building,
police headquarters and the offices of the Municipal Utilities Authority.
The declaration of an emergency shall be conclusive
of the fact of the existence of such emergency and shall be binding
upon all persons and users upon the filing of the same in the office
of the Township Clerk and the publication thereof in the official
Township newspaper.
The restrictions imposed shall terminate 120
days from the effective date of the declaration of emergency, unless
sooner terminated by the terms of the declaration or by further resolution
of the Municipal Utilities Authority.
During the water emergency, all premises receiving
water from the Authority system shall be subject to inspection between
sunrise and sunset by the Authority's employees or any other person
duly authorized and appointed by the Township or Authority to perform
inspections to oversee compliance during the water emergency. It shall
be a violation of this chapter for any person to hinder, obstruct,
delay, resist or prevent any such inspection as is described herein.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for
any person to use water from the Municipal Utilities Authority water
system at any time during the water emergency in a manner prohibited
by any declaration issued pursuant to this chapter.
In the event that there is on any premises a
continuing usage of water from the Authority water system by any person
in a manner prohibited by any declaration issued pursuant to this
chapter, such continuing usage is hereby declared to be a health hazard.
The owner, occupant and/or operator of the premises
whereon the violation is occurring shall be served with written notice
of the violation by the delivery of such to any such owner, occupant
and/or operator or the agent or employee of any of same actually on
the premises. If no such person is present, the notice shall be posted
on the premises.
If, after the passage of one hour from the delivery
or posting of such notice, the health hazard has not been abated,
any employee of the Township or the Authority is hereby authorized
to enter upon the premises to abate the health hazard. Thereafter,
the Township or Authority, as the case may be, shall assess the costs
of such abatement against the owner, operator and/or occupant of the
premises.