The state's water planning regulation passed in 1988 (KRS 151.114-151.118) called for two distinct types of emergency plans. The first, a water shortage response plan, is only necessary if a water system has been identified as being drought vulnerable. However, the second type, emergency response plans, are to be developed by every system that supplies drinking water. These emergency plans include immediate actions to be taken in the event of water supply contamination by a pollutant or as a result of infrastructure failure. Also, an alternative means of supplying water to the public must be identified should either of these occur. These regulations and planning process fulfill Kentucky's obligations under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

These contingency plans are presented in Chapter 12 of the Water Management Plans developed for each regional Water Management Council.