Compliance made clear. Confidence built in.
Regulations shouldn't feel like a maze. Gradient Planning helps utilities stay compliant with expert guidance, actionable roadmaps, and continuous support — so your team can focus on what really matters: reliable service.
Why compliance feels complex
Compliance is not just “checking boxes,” it is an ongoing operational workload. Requirements change, guidance evolves, and documentation expectations increase, all while utilities are asked to do more with limited staff and time. Without a simple, defensible approach, it is easy to fall behind-creating audit pressure, corrective actions, and distractions from day-to-day reliability.
What You Don’t Want:
Inspection readiness depends on one person (knowledge concentrated; risk when they are out)
Records are scattered or inconsistent (can’t quickly produce monitoring, training, O&M, or corrective-action documentation)
Procedures are informal or outdated (operators rely on memory instead of current SOPs/checklists)
Change management is weak (staff turnover, equipment changes, or new requirements aren’t reflected in procedures)
AWIA and ERP compliance, made practical
Gradient Planning’s AWIA Compliance Essentials helps drinking water utilities meet AWIA requirements while also aligning Emergency Response Plans with state-level ERP expectations and recognized industry best practices. We evaluate your Risk & Resilience Assessment and ERP, close documentation and program gaps, and translate findings into actionable updates—so your utility is prepared, audit-ready, and operationally stronger.
Compliance and Best-Practice Review (AWIA + State ERP)
A focused review of your Risk & Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan to confirm required elements are addressed, documentation is complete, and the plan reflects state requirements and industry best practices.
Documentation Readiness and Defensible Compliance
Organize and strengthen the documentation needed to certify AWIA compliance, support state ERP reviews/inspections, and demonstrate a clear compliance narrative—without last-minute scrambles.
Sustained Program Management
A practical system to keep your ERP and risk program current between cycles: update triggers, responsibility assignments, version control, and a schedule for maintenance, training, and exercises tied to your highest risks and operational realities.
What you'll receive
Findings Summary and Gap Report
A clear summary of what’s complete, what’s missing, and what needs strengthening- mapped to AWIA, state ERP expectations, and relevant industry standards for emergency planning and resilience.
Prioritized Remediation Roadmap
A step-by-step action plan that prioritizes improvements by risk reduction and feasibility linking recommendations to Risk & Resilience Assessment findings and translating them into targeted ERP updates, staff training and readiness activities, and utility improvements.
ERP Tools, Checklists, and Training Package
Practical tools that make the ERP usable under pressure: notification and escalation checklists, role quick-guides, incident action planning templates, and a training/exercise package so staff can execute the plan consistently—even at 2 a.m.
“Exceptional Partner”
“The City of Framingham’s Water & Wastewater Department has been working with Gradient Planning each year since 2017 on all aspects of risk management. Gradient Planning has been an exceptional partner to Framingham, offering practical solutions-focused planning that consistently strengthens our overall preparedness. Their deep subject-matter expertise and willingness to respond to our evolving needs, has allowed Framingham to progressively work toward our preparedness goals and continue to maintain compliance along the way.”
Kate Lancraft, P.E., C.S.P.
Founder and Managing Director
Gradient Planning, LLC
“Gradient Planning has exceeded our expectations in every aspect of emergency preparedness consultancy. Kate Lancraft provides a comprehensive approach, attention to detail, and tailored programs that ensure our organization is empowered to handle any scenario with confidence. From risk assessments to customized training sessions, Kate has been a partner to our team. With unparalleled expertise and dedication to our safety and resilience, it is clear that Gradient Planning is committed to our continual improvement. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Gradient Planning to any organization serious about safeguarding its future.”
25+
years supporting critical infrastructure resilience
Deep, sustained experience helping water and wastewater utilities manage risk, maintain continuity, and meet evolving regulatory expectations.
100%
regulatory acceptance of risk assessments and ERPs
All assessments and emergency response plans accepted by EPA and state regulators with zero corrective follow-up required.
50+
utilities served across small, mid-size, and large systems
Trusted by utilities in New England and beyond to deliver practical, solutions-focused planning tailored to real operational conditions.
“We do not “bait and switch.” The experts you hire are the ones who develop your plans, and train your staff. What you see is what you get.”
Common questions about AWIA and ERP compliance
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AWIA requirements apply to many community drinking water systems serving more than 3,300 people, and compliance generally includes completing (and periodically updating) a Risk & Resilience Assessment (RRA) and certifying to EPA that it was completed, as well as developing and maintaining an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that incorporates the RRA findings. We help you confirm applicability, identify gaps in your existing RRA/ERP, and assemble defensible documentation so you can certify and demonstrate readiness during reviews.
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Most gaps are not about intent- they’re about traceability and usability. Common issues include: the ERP not clearly reflecting RRA-driven priorities, unclear roles and decision triggers, incomplete notification lists, limited continuity procedures, and insufficient evidence that the plan is maintained, trained, and exercised. US EPA+1
We update the ERP to align with AWIA, incorporate RRA findings, and build the supporting checklists, logs, and training/exercise records that make the program defensible. -
AWIA’s requirements are specific to community drinking water systems, but many utilities operate combined water/wastewater departments and share staff, communications, and continuity dependencies (power, IT/OT, facilities, fleet). We align planning where it improves response and reduces confusion—while keeping AWIA-required drinking water components clearly documented and compliant. US EPA
Be ready before it happens
Every moment counts during an emergency — plan ahead with a partner who's been there.