The purpose of the plan is to bring about coordinated physical development in accordance with the present and future needs of the county. The comprehensive plan shall be developed so as to conserve the natural resources of the county, to insure efficient expenditure of public funds, and to promote the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare of the public. Such comprehensive plan may include but not be limited to, among other things, studies and recommendations relative to the location, character and extent of highways, railroads, bus and other transportation routes, bicycle facilities, bridges, public buildings, public services, schools, parks, open space, housing quality, variety and affordability, parkways, hiking and riding trails, airports, forests, wildlife areas, dams, projects affecting conservation of natural resources, air quality, water quality and floodplain zoning.

Builds upon the "Biological Stress Assessment" through the identification of threats and stressors to watercourses within Pima County. It provides background on technical and water policy matters, describes potential and existing impacts to watercourses within Pima County, suggests options for reducing stressors, and outlines a number of issues for discussion withing each watershed planning unit.