APA* Policy Guide on Water

Updated version adopted by Chapter Delegate Assembly, April 2, 2016. Updated version ratified by APA Board of Directors, July 15, 2016.

Traditionally, the role of planners with respect to water focused on environmental resources, hazard mitigation and flood control. Water service issues, including water quantity and quality, were left to the water utilities. Today, water planning is undergoing rapid change with the impact of population growth, climate change, infrastructure conditions and the continuing influence of the environmental movement.

Droughts, floods, infrastructure failures, concerns about emerging contaminants and technological advances have caused a revolution in the water industry. Water engineers are beginning to recognize they cannot provide sustainable services without involving those in the development community — including planners, architects, and community activists. Leading-edge planners are reaching across the aisle to water managers to help advise on their comprehensive plans, not only to meet environmental objectives, but also to add value and livability, rooted in the vision of the community. This new paradigm of incorporating water into all aspects of the built environment is called "One Water" and emphasizes integrated, regional water planning and partnerships between water resource managers and land use planners. As a result […]

*American Planning Association

Full article: APA Policy Guide on Water