Develop or Update an Emergency Response Plan
Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Template and Instructions
On this page:
- ERP Template and Instructions for Drinking Water Utilities
- ERP Template and Instructions for Wastewater Utilities
An ERP describes strategies, resources, plans, and procedures utilities can use to prepare for and respond to an incident, natural or man-made, that threatens life, property, or the environment. Incidents can range from small main breaks or localized flooding to large scale hurricanes, earthquakes or system contamination, among other examples.
The EPA welcomes comments on the ERP Template and Instructions. Based on feedback, the EPA may revise the document in the future. Please email dwresilience@epa.gov to provide feedback.
You may need a PDF reader or Microsoft Word application to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s PDFs, Free Viewers, and Readers page to learn more.
ERP Template and Instructions for Drinking Water Utilities
This template and instructions will assist water utilities with developing an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in accordance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) section 1433(b), which was amended by America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) section 2013(b). SDWA 1433(b) requires community water systems serving populations greater than 3,300 to develop or update an ERP that incorporates findings of their risk and resilience assessment. Please note that the instructions and template were updated in September 2024 to include new cybersecurity materials and corresponding practical mitigation options for utilities along with an easier to use customizable template.
Once your RRA is complete, please visit EPA's How to Certify Your RRA or ERP webpage for information on how to certify.
The ERP Template and Instructions PDF document features an embedded blank ERP template in Word format that can be easily accessed and modified by utility personnel to meet their own water system needs. The Word ERP template is also available to download directly below for ease.
- Drinking Water Utility ERP Template and Instructions (pdf)
- Drinking Water Utility ERP Template (docx)
ERP Template and Instructions for Wastewater Utilities
This template and instructions will assist wastewater utilities with developing an ERP. Wastewater utilities are not required to develop ERPs under SDWA section 1433. However, EPA recommends that these systems voluntarily use this or other guidance products to learn how to develop ERPs and address threats from malevolent acts and natural hazards they may face.
The Wastewater Utility ERP Template and Instructions PDF document features an embedded blank ERP template in Word format that can be easily accessed and modified by utility personnel to meet their own wastewater system needs. NOTE: The PDF files use Javascript. To access the Word template that is imbedded within the PDF, please download the PDF file to your computer and open the PDF file with a PDF reader. If you are still having problems with accessing the Word template, email dwresilience@epa.gov.