This document reports on a special planning study of Palm Beach County's most important physical asset; its surface water, submerged land, and waterfront land resources. Historical development and existing condition of the county's fresh and salt water bodies, submerged lands, ocean beaches, and inland shores is described. Local, state, and Federal agency planning, development, and regulatory authority over the subject resource is documented. The importance of the resource to the county, both with regard to its contribution to environmental quality and its function as a generator for much of the county's economic and development activity is discussed. The nature, extent, and cause of damages which have and are occurring to various aspects of the resource is assessed. Impact of damages on valued and value producing features of the resource, and upon community quality and economy, are described. Long range planning objectives and conservation/development/management recommendations are set forth.