Introduction to Water Resources Planning

Introduction to Water Resources Planning

WELCOME

Who Are We?

Why Are We Here?

What Are Our Goals?

Course Overview

What Are the Deliverables?

Clarifications and Adjustments

Elements of Water Resources Planning

Elements of Water Resources Planning

Background and terminology

A short history of water resources planning

The National Drought Study

Drought Preparedness

Strategies for achieving a desired set of goals

What is Planning?

Planning InvolvesPlanning Involves

Players - individuals, agencies, businesses, communities, state and federal government

Processes - identification of goals, metrics, alternatives, trade offs, additions

Products - a traditional report, modeling environments, dynamic structure

What Makes Water Resources Planning Unique?What Makes

Water Resources Planning Unique?

Significant impacts

High potential for conflict

Resource availability uncertain but coveted

Technical and political concerns

Divergent interests

Established and emerging institutions

rain?

Who Creates Water Resource Plans?

?

Federal and State Government Agencies

Who Creates Water Resource Plans ?

Who Creates Water Resource Plans?

Local Municipalities and Utilities

Who Creates Water Resource Plans?

Regional Water Authorities

Native American Tribes

Who Creates Water Resource Plans?

What Do Plans Consider?What Do Plans Consider?

Navigation Economics

Flood Protection Health & Safety

Power Production Future Development

Irrigation Aesthetics

Water Quality Recreation

Water Supply Habitat

?Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

The Public

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

Agriculture

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

Power Producers

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

Ecosystems and Fish

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

Industry

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

Navigation Interests

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

Recreationalists

Who Has a Stake In Water Planning?

A Short History of Water Resources Planning

A Short History of Water Resources Planning

1934 - Fish & Wildlife Coordination Act

1936 - Federal Flood Control Act

1950 - “Green Book”

1962 - U.S. Senate Document 97

1965 - Water Resources Planning Act

1969 - “Blue Book”

1973 - Principles & Standards Adopted

1989 - Principles & Guidelines Adopted

Today's Planning EnvironmentToday's Planning Environment

State and local agencies share the cost of project development and management

Less federal presence and influence Stakeholders have assumed more significant role Planning is a multi-party process RED, EQ and OSE may be important to

stakeholders Characterization of impacts in economic terms is

still difficult

The National Drought Study (1990-1993)The National Drought Study (1990-1993)

Primary Objectives To find a better way to manage water during

drought To have a lasting impact on drought

management practices in the U.S.

Sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Authorized by Congress in response to the widespread droughts of 1988

The Interdisciplinary Nature of the National Drought Study, NDS

The Interdisciplinary Nature of the National Drought Study, NDS

The NDS integrated sound Federal management

guidelines with important advances in other

disciplines.

The NDS TeamThe NDS Team

Water Managers Researchers Corps Federal Agencies State Agencies Universities Cities Consultants Private Industries Environmental Groups

The National Drought Study Pursued a Wide Variety of Activities

The National Drought Study Pursued a Wide Variety of Activities

Test recommended management practices

Develop innovative and practical

These Activities IncludedThese Activities Included

Drought Preparedness IWR-Main for Demand Forecasting in the Boston Area

Colorado River Gaming Exercise Lessons Learned in California Drought 1986-1992 Human and Environmental Impacts: California Drought

1986-1992 Overview of Water Resources Models Drought Impacts in a P&G Planning Context Governance and Water Management During Drought

NDS PhilosophyNDS Philosophy

All Parties who are impacted by drought should be involved in plan formulation.

Impacts of Philosophy Increased the number of participants in the

planning process. Required that the objectives of multiple

stakeholders be explicitly considered. Required a process that promoted consensus

building. Required effective communication.

The Drought Preparedness StudiesThe Drought Preparedness Studies

The Drought Preparedness Studies the effectiveness of the NDS planning philosophy in practice

Utilized new methodologies to formulate tactical and strategic drought response plans

Improved drought management guidelines through lessons learned

The DPS SitesThe DPS Sites

Cedar and Green River Basins, Washington

Marais des Cygnes-Osage River Basins, Kansas and Missouri

James River Basin, Virginia

Kanawha River Basin, Virginia and West Virginia

Major Water Use Concerns at DPS Sights

Major Water Use Concerns at DPS Sights

Kanawha: White Water Rafting, M&I Effluent Dilution

Cedar/Green: M&I Supply, Tribal Water Rights, Fisheries, Recreation

James: M&I Supply, Hydropower, Recreation, Thermoelectric, Navigation

Marais des Cygnes-Osage: Lake Recreation, Interstate Water Allocation, Thermoelectric, M&I Supply

DPS OutcomesDPS Outcomes

The most significant accomplishments of the DPS sites include

Improved shared understanding of their water system

Improved collaborative approach of their water resources

New strategies for tactical drought response

Shared Vision Models as management tools

A framework for maintaining drought preparedness Virtual Drought Exercises

The DPS Planning ParadigmThe DPS Planning Paradigm

Step 1. Teams

Step 2. Identify problems, planning objectives and constraints

Step 3. Defining the status quo

Step 4. Formulate alternatives

Step 5. Evaluate alternatives

Step 6. Implement the plan

Step 7. Exercise and update the plan

Teams

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 1

Identify Problems, Planning Objectives and Constraints

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 2

Defining the Status Quo

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 3

Formulate Alternatives

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 4

Evaluate Alternatives

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 5

Implement the Plan

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 6

Exercise and Update the Plan

DPS Planning Paradigm: Step 7

The DPS Approach FacilitatesThe DPS Approach Facilitates

Estimation of drought vulnerability

Assessment of an existing water resources plan

Development of a new plan

Resolution of a specific water resources conflict

SummarySummary

Planning is an essential activity. Water Resources Planning is a complex activity,

requiring cooperation among a wide variety of managers and stakeholders.

Federal water planning has a long history, which has led to the development of Principles and Guidelines.

The DPS planning paradigm makes use of federal guidance, new technology, and conflict resolution.

ExerciseExercise