Water resource planning theory and practice in the United States are examined in terms of their suitability to deal with current and future urban-metropolitan water resource problems and needs. A criticism of current theory and practice suggests an analysis of current planning methodology and of water resource planning experience in selected U.S. metropolitan areas. An adapted water resource planning model is developed for specific use in urban-metropolitan areas, and its application is examined in general terms to U.S. water resource planning during the 1970's and, specifically, to the situations in three metropolitan areas. Brief analyses of water resource planning problems in urban areas of North Carolina, Southeast England, and Japan serve to give an international perspective to the applicability of the model. (WRSIC abstract)