Water Resource Systems Planning in U.S.A.:1776-1976

Some historical aspects of water resource development and use covering the nation's first 200 yr were examined to determine at what points in history the systems method of analysis was used in water resource planning. The systems method was found to apply to cases where clear single objectives directed planning. In situations where the systems view was not taken less than satisfactory systems resulted. Examples considered include: canals and waterborne transportation, water supply to New York City, the Miami Conservancy District, TVA, and Irrigated Agriculture. The systems approach was followed both in the Miami Conservancy District and TVA within the limits of the analysis techniques available. Areas of potential application of systems analysis tools and techniques in the near-term future (urban water resources management, operation of multipurpose facilities, and water resource allocation) are examined to illustrate the need for the use of systems analysis tools for handling complex constrained systems.