Description
Water resources planning is a specialized discipline of planning that deals with planning for and managing natural and man-made systems that are typically contained within watersheds and which include hydrologic, biological, economic, and political systems. (Source: Palmer and Lundberg; http://www.isws.illinois.edu/iswsdocs/wsp/iwrp_palmer_lundberg.pdf)
Strengths
Water resources plans can address both ground- and surface-water resources, making them holistic with respect to managing different aspects of the hydrologic cycle.
Weaknesses
Many land use and transportation activities can impact water resources and, unless integrated into a comprehensive plan, development of a discrete water resources plan document can result in a very narrowly focused set of policies.
Examples
Example 1: Minnesota
Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources - County Comprehensive Local Water Management
Description: MN County Water Management Plan guidance
Example 2: Ohio
Description: ODNR, Ohio Resources Water Council Strategic Action Plan
Example 3: Michigan
An Introduction to Michigan's Water Resources (2nd Edition)
Developing a Watershed Management Plan for Water Quality: An Introductory Guide
Description: Michigan water resources and water management guidance
Example 4: New York
Description: Local and Regional Water Resources Planning and Development