Executive Order No. 401 Establishing Water Use and Conservation Policies

Republic of Palau Office o/ t:Fle 'CP.-eswent: Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. P.O. Box 6051, Palau, PW 96940 Tel. (6801 767-2403/2828 �� Fax. (6801 767-2424/1662 Email: rop. president(ti'palaunct.com Executive Order No. 401 Establishing Water Use and Conservation Policies WHEREAS, water is a precious and limited resource; and WHEREAS, water conservation is crucial to the sustainable management of our water resources and the preservation of our natural environment; and WHEREAS, the supply and distribution of water and its usage represents a significant cost of government operations; and WHEREAS, the efficient supply and distribution of water and effective water conservation practices will contribute to energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint for the Nation; and WHEREAS, the National Emergency Committee (NEC) and the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) have placed the Republic of Palau under an "EL NINO WATCH" in anticipation of extreme dry conditions ("Drought") with very little scattered rainfall to the Republic of Palau beginning in August of 2017; and WHEREAS, the NEC and the NEMO have further announced that there is a stron� possibility that forecasted drought conditions may be prolonged with an expected duration of uip to 10 months; and J WHEREAS, a thorough assessment of our water-use practices will provide the information necessary to implement conservation measures; and WHEREAS, strengthened water usage and conservation measures will assist National Government efforts to respond to the anticipated drought, while reaffirming this government's long-term commitment to conservation, and will minimize the impact of future water shortages on public health, safety, and economic activity; Presidential Directive No. 17-25 Establishing Water Use and Conservation Policies June 28, 2017 NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Palau, it is hereby ordered: 1. Policy Statement. It is the policy of the National Government to conserve the use of water at its offices and facilities in the most cost effective and efficient manner within available resources. 2. Water Audit. All National Government ministries, agencies, and offices shall immediately conduct water audit(s) to determine their current water usage in order to develop appropriate conservation measures to reduce their water consumption including the identification and necessary repairs of water leaks. 3. Water Conservation Plan. All National Government ministries, agencies, and offices shall develop and adopt water conservation plans. a. Written water conservation measures shall be formulated by each Ministerand/or appropriate management officials, taking into consideration their specific needs and resources. Every water conservation plan must include, at a minimum, the following: 1) Adoption of specific water conservation practices including the development of leak inspection checklists and a system of reporting repairs; 2) Annual training of all employees of water conservation requirements; 3) Implementation of water efficiency measures; 4) Retrofitting of older water system products; 5) Investment in new water efficient products; 6) Utilization of water conservation signage to educate and remind staff; 7) Establishment of water conservation targets; 8) Conduct of annual water audits to examine water usage and ways to reduce water consumption; 9) Periodic monitoring, at least twice a year, of water conservation efforts and biannual recommendations for improvements, including infrastructure; and 10) Development of incentives to help ensure continuity and effectiveness of the water conservation plan. b. Water conservation plans must be completed and adopted by July 31, 2017. c. An annual report on the implementation of the water conservation plans shall be prepared and incorporated into each agency Annual Performance Report. Presidential Directive No. 17-25 Establishing Water Use and Conservation Policies June 28, 2017 4. Collaboration with PPUC. Effective water-conservation efforts will require close cooperation between the National Government andthe Palau Public Utility Corporation (PPUC). The National Government recognizes and values the expertise of PPUC when it comes to responsible water use policies. For these reasons, all National Government ministries, agencies, and offices are directed to work with the PPUC to help review the water conservation initiatives undertaken and developed in Sections2 and 3 to help ensure effective implementation of the plans developed. 5. Assistance and Cooperation with State Governments. The anticipated El Nino has the potential to gravely affect life in Palau. On such a consequential issue, it is important that all levels of Palauan government work together to ensure desired outcomes. Therefore, all National Government ministries, agencies, and offices particularly the National Emergency Committee (NEC) and the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), are directed to provide support as requested to all State Governments to undertake the initiatives outlined in Sections 2 and 3. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 28 th day of June, 2017: