综合资源规划是一种基于最低成本规划和扩大供需管理实践分析的综合水资源规划方法。IRP考虑了所有影响此类规划的各种因素，从工程到政治。康涅狄格州是创建全州水资源管理计划的领导者，该计划减少了公用事业在实施IRP时必须处理的监管机构的数量。初始IRP应采用公众参与的协作方法编制。IRP至少应包括10个领域，从水质和容量规划到预算。 这些必须与更大的目标相匹配，比如对供需管理实践进行最低成本分析。然后，有17个步骤来准备IRP。

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.