The bill establishes a drought management task force within the office, consisting of various state officials and representatives from relevant organizations. The task force is tasked with coordinating efforts to manage drought conditions, including collecting and assessing technical information, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and providing recommendations to state officials regarding drought levels and responses. The task force is required to meet monthly during drought conditions and will be supported by a director of water policy and staff from the Water Resources Commission. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation and periodic updating of a statewide drought management plan that addresses public health, safety, and environmental concerns.

The bill also grants the secretary the authority to declare a drought based on the task force's recommendations and to implement water conservation measures, which may include restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use. Cities and towns are required to enforce these conservation measures to the fullest extent allowed by law. Furthermore, the secretary is tasked with providing guidance and best practices for local implementation of these measures and may offer grants or technical assistance to support local efforts in communication and enforcement related to water conservation and drought conditions.