当局可以开发触发机制，在干旱期间实施和终止法规。本文回顾了七个州和两个州际委员会使用的触发程序。尽管触发机制在细节程度和监管灵活性上有所不同，但所研究的所有程序都提供了一组定义明确的响应，当达到预定条件时，这些响应会被激活。所讨论的每一项计划都是根据当地和州的情况制定的，每一项计划都表明了在危机条件开始之前协调规划水资源短缺管理的重要性。包括10个参考文献、表格和图表。

Triggering mechanisms can be developed by authorities for imposing and terminating regulations during droughts. This article reviews the triggering procedures used by seven states and two interstate commissions. Although triggering mechanisms differ in degree of detail and regulatory flexibility, all of the procedures examined provide a set of well-defined responses that are activated when predetermined conditions are reached. Each plan discussed has been molded to fit local and state conditions, and each demonstrates the importance of coordinated planning for water shortage management prior to the onset of crisis conditions. Includes 10 references, tables, figure.