Analytical Method for the Development of Watershed Plans, Stormwater Programs and Stream Reclamation Projects

While we all acknowledge that the body of knowledge in water resources management is imperfect, a methodological weakness also underlies the relatively poor performance. This paper demonstrates a methodology based on function analysis that uses a six-phase process to improve the value of our efforts. Despite the best of intentions, talent and energy, many water resource projects are reactive and therefore symptomatic. Developed in response to impending urban growth, a budget crisis or a disaster, the urgency and intensity of the issue de jour frequently engenders myopia and accommodation of short-term interests even with experienced professionals. Stormwater programs based on near-term cost benefit ratios often address symptoms and lack serious effort to identify and manage root causes of problems. Commonly efforts that could prevent future degradation by improving systemic stream health languish as lower priorities. We propose a methodology in which the multidisciplinary team essential to all successful plans identifies the essential project functions and develops alternative ways to achieve those functions. The method includes a disciplined selection process to determine the best solutions for achieving the required functions. These function-based solutions are then combined into workable value alternatives. Here thorny policy, economic, social and technical issues are effectively expressed and integrated. This approach easily accommodates the complexity of water resource issues and provides methods to fully integrate the skills of scientists, engineers, economists, resource managers and public officials. The methodology has been proven worldwide for water resource projects and merits much broader application. The authors will illustrate the application of this methodology in both large and small projects.