The applicability of programming models to problems in water resource management was evaluated. A comprehensive literature survey was made, and an annotated bibliography was prepared. A variety of simple two-and three-user models were examined. The most interesting model formulation appeared to be one minimizing the costs of supplying the needs of these users subject to constraints on supply and on the levels of various pollutants. The behavior of the solutions to the models was examined utilizing hypothetical cost data. In particular, the shadow prices (or opportunity costs) to the various users were examined in relationship to costs. The investigations indicated that programming models can be of value in examining some of the broader issues in water resource management. (Modified author abstract)