Approaches to Planning Water Resources

Abstract

Water resource problems and management are complex, confusing, and controversial for participants in technical, policy, and public water deliberations. A thoughtful planning approach can reduce confusion and structure controversies. This paper attempts to summarize and organize various technical approaches to water resources planning. This paper summarizes the basic approach of rational planning, followed by brief reviews of requirements-based, benefit-cost-based, multiobjective, conflict resolution, market-based, and muddling through approaches to planning. Each approach has particular advantages and disadvantages for specific situations. Each approach also has somewhat different policy expectations and analytical requirements. These approaches are discussed in terms of practical contributions to addressing water problems in contemporary contexts, particularly for messy long-term regional water issues.