Which element of a comprehensive plan covers water supply, sanitary and storm sewers, and solid waste management?

• A. Water resources and waste management
• B. Housing
• C. Intergovernmental coordination
• D. Coastal zone protection

Answer: (A)

This item tests understanding of which part of a comprehensive plan addresses utilities and waste management. The element that covers water supply, sanitary and storm sewers, and solid waste management focuses on the systems that provide drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services, and how solid waste is handled. It’s about the infrastructure, capacity, and policies needed to manage these essential utilities and protect public health and the environment.

Other elements target different concerns. A housing element concentrates on residential development and housing needs; an intergovernmental coordination element deals with the relationships and cooperation among local governments and agencies; coastal zone protection focuses on preserving coastal resources and addressing hazards along the shore. None of these combine all the utility and waste management topics in the way the water resources and waste management element does.

So, when the question asks which element covers water supply, sanitary and storm sewers, and solid waste management, the best choice is the water resources and waste management element.