(1) Based upon review of the preliminary assessment, if findings indicate that a geographical area does have problems related to inadequate water quality, unreliable service, or lack of coordinated planning, the county legislative authority(ies) or the department shall declare that area a critical water supply service area.

(2) The declaration shall be in the format of a legislative enactment signed by the county legislative authority(ies), or administrative declaration signed by the secretary of the department or his designee.

(3) The declaring agency shall file its declaration with the other agency(ies) and notify in writing the appropriate local planning agencies, affected water purveyors, and the local news media within ten days.