The Area Development Districts are required to establish Water Management Councils with specific goals of planning for adequate water for all Kentuckians, and efficiency in the treatment and delivery of water through regional investments. Ultimately, this aims to encourage long-range planning throughout Kentucky.

State regulation sets guidelines for the process and encouraged public officials, water suppliers, and citizens to work together to thoroughly examine their water needs and supplies to ensure that the available water is best used to meet the area’s needs.