一个比综合资源规划更新的概念是全面水资源管理，它基于对水资源的管理，以实现社会和环境的最大利益。全面水资源管理的一个特点是，可再生但有限的水资源供应应该在可持续利用的基础上进行管理。本文概述的全面水资源管理方法包含了社会和环境需求之间的平衡以及在可持续基础上使用水资源的概念。在这方面，这确实是综合资源规划应用的一个渐进步骤。

A concept more recent than Integrated Resource Planning is that of Total Water Management, which is based on the exercise of stewardship of water resources for the greatest good of society and the environment. A hallmark of Total Water Management is that renewable, but limited, water supplies should be managed on a sustainable use basis. The Total Water Management approach outlined in this paper embraces the concepts of the balance between societal and environmental needs and use of water supplies on a sustainable basis. In this regard, it is truly an evolutionary step in the application of Integrated Resource Planning.