The idea that water management
should take an integrated approach has become the global paradigm over
the past two decades. This new paradigm has come to be known by many
different names. This paper explores the use, history and meaning of
these competing terms, and discusses the possible implications of this
term-proliferation. The literature indicates that a minimum of 26
distinct terms have been used. The use of different terms appears to
have underwritten a belief that each term identifies a distinctly
different field of study. After analysing sample definitions and subject
areas for the eight most frequently used terms, it has been determined
that some terms do have fundamental differences and others are
essentially the same. This unnecessary term-proliferation contributes to
a 'knowledge silo' effect, impeding knowledge-sharing and research
advancement within the water management field. It is recommended that
both academia and industry start actively considering term-proliferation
when searching and publishing literature.

Integrated water management; Integrated water
resource management; River basin management; Total water management;
Urban water management; Water cycle management