Water Resources and Regional Land-Use Plan

Water resources development and management plans for urbanizing areas must be prepared within the framework of a regional land-use plan if the water resource is to be preserved, protected, and utilized efficiently. Land and water resource planning should be concurrent and interacting so that land use does not exceed the capability of the water resource base and so development of water resources can best serve the urban community. Water resources plans for urban areas should include consideration of all purposes and should retain maximum flexibility for future decisions. A recommended planning procedure includes the following steps: study design, establishment of objectives principles and standards, inventory, analysis and forecast, formulation of alternative plans, plan test and evaluation, and plan selection. The selection of the plan to be adopted is the prerogative of the public and the planner is responsible for formulating viable alternatives from which selection can be made.