The Local and Regional Water Supply Planning Regulation (Chapter 780 - Local and Regional Water Supply Planning) establishes a planning process and criteria that all local governments will use in the development of local or regional plans.  These plans will be reviewed by DEQ and a determination will be made by the State Water Control Board whether the plans comply with this regulation.  The plans will be reviewed every five years to assess adequacy and significant changes will require the submission of an amended plan and review by the Board.

This regulation was developed to implement the mandate of Senate Bill 1221 (2003, c.227, SB1221), which requires that "The Board, with the advice and guidance from the Commissioner of Health, local governments, public service authorities, and other interested parties, shall establish a comprehensive water supply planning process for the development of local, regional and state water supply plans consistent with the provisions of this chapter."

The purpose of this regulation is to protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens by requiring local and regional water supply planning.  The goal of this regulation is to establish a basic set of criteria that each local or regional water supply plan must contain so that they may plan for and provide adequate water to their citizens in a manner that balances the need for environmental protection and future growth.