This plan provides guidelines for the Town of Montreat to manage water supply and demand in the event of a supply problem or water shortage. Such problems could include imminent supply disruptions resulting from a major pipeline failure as well as forecasted water supply shortages due to droughts. The plan enables Montreat to maintain essential public health and safety and minimize adverse impacts on economic activity, environmental resources and the area's lifestyle. “Water shortage” as is discussed in this document means that Montreat will not have the normal amount of water to provide to its customers. It is extremely improbable that Montreat would ever run out of water. The stages noted in the plan will be implemented depending on the magnitude of the water shortage. All water systems purchasing water from the Town of Montreat water system will, at a minimum, adopt and enforce water use reduction measures contained in this plan or a similar plan as a condition of water sales.