Comprehensive River Basin Planning

The National Water Resources Council established by the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 is directing comprehensive investigations of water and related land resources. These investigations will eventually include the entire United States. These studies are at reconnaissance level of detail for the purpose of developing framework plans. The investigations, conducted by Federal-State groups, will provide for: (1) Economic analysis and projections; (2) translation of economic projections into demands for water and related land; (3) assessment of available water for quality and quantity; (4) assessment of available land resources; (5) identification of current and projected water and related land resource problems; (6) development of alternative plans for solution of problems; and (7) identification of critical water problems calling for prompt action. Parameters to be considered in the framework planning are national income, regional development, and quality of environment. Definitions are given and applications are described.