A central philosophy of an integrated approach to water resources management is that water should be managed at the lowest appropriate level. This means taking a basin approach where appropriate and decentralizing decision making, usually with increasing input and role for various stakeholders with an interest in how water resources are allocated and management decisions are being made. It is also believed that an integrated approach is necessary both to take into account the different interests, concerns and experience in water resources and management and to improve efficiency in investment decisions. Mechanisms such as water resources commissions and councils have been envisioned as apex bodies to facilitate such cross sector inputs to water resources management. This survey has shown.
