In this concise introduction to water resources, Shimon Anisfeld explores the fundamental interactions between humans and water, including drinking, sanitation, irrigation, and power production. The book familiarizes students with the current water crisis and with approaches for managing this essential resource more effectively in a time of rapid environmental and social change. Anisfeld addresses both human and ecological problems, including scarcity, pollution, disease, flooding, conflicts over water, and degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In addition to providing the background necessary to understand each of these problems, the book discusses ways to move towards better management and addresses the key current debates in the water policy field.
In the past, water development has often proceeded in a single-sector fashion, with each group of users implementing its own plans without coordination with other groups, resulting in both conflict and inefficiency. Now, Anisfeld writes, the challenge of water management is figuring out how to balance all the different demands for water, from sanitation to energy generation to ecosystem protection.
For inquiring students of any level, Water Resources provides a comprehensive one-volume guide to a complex but vital field of study.
Preface
Chapter 1. Past, Present, and Future: Introduction to the Water Crisis Chapter 2. Quantity and Quality: Introduction to Water Resource Science Chapter 3. Supply and Demand: Water Availability and Water Use Chapter 4. Water, Water, Every Where: Dealing with Floods Chapter 5. Nor Any Drop to Drink: Water Scarcity Chapter 6. The End of Stationarity: Water in an Era of Global Change Chapter 7. Soft and Hard: Technologies for Sustainable Water Management Chapter 8. Humans and Ecosystems: Finding the Right Balance Chapter 9. Overconsumption and Underconsumption: Water for Households and Health Chapter 10. Crops and Drops: Getting More from Less in Agricultural Water Use Chapter 11. Growth and Sustainability: Using Water More Wisely in Industry Chapter 12. Basic Need and Economic Good: The Contested Role of Economics in Water Management Chapter 13. Conflict and Cooperation: Transboundary and Intersectoral Water Management Chapter 14. Conclusion: The Imperative of Better Management
Discussion Questions Glossary References Recommended Readings Index
"Are you looking for a book introducing water resources with a focus on global water crisis? This is a book you may want to read or collect. It would also be suitable reading material for students and professionals who are interested in water management. As a hydrologist, I have benefited by gaining a broader view of water issues existing in the U.S. and worldwide through reading this book. There are many discussions throughout the chapters that provide good judgements that can be valuable for water professionals in examining our water management strategies and policies."
