Overlapping federal emergency planning requirements are imposed on all but the smallest water and wastewater facilities. The various regulations pose complex challenges to facility managers, who must balance the legal need to prepare written plans responsive to individual laws with the practical need that response plans be clear and consistent. The integrated emergency planning process enables utilities to appreciate potential regulatory conflicts and accommodate them in a plan that can be readily implemented, meets legal requirements, and is less expensive to create and maintain. The integrated emergency planning process begins with an understanding of the various laws and regulations. Includes 3 references, table.