AWWA ACE93061

Integrated resource planning is way to create a comprehensive water resource plan based on least-cost planning and analysis of augmented supply and demand management practices. IRP takes into account all the various factors, from engineering to politics, that influence such planning. The state of Connecticut is a leader in creating a statewide water resources management program, reducing the number of regulators utilities must deal with in implementing IRP. The initial IRP should be prepared using a collaborative approach involving the public. There are a minimum of 10 areas that should be included in an IRP, ranging from water quality and capacity planning to budgeting. These must mesh with larger objectives, such as using least cost analysis of supply and demand management practices. Then, there are seventeen steps to work through to prepare the IRP.