Examines the environmental, social, and economic issues involved in the use of fresh water around the world.

"This book is based on The water crisis, a matter of life and death, published by Understanding Global Issues, Chetltenham, England, c2001"--T.p. verso.

Civilizing influence -- Freshwater resources -- Engineering solutions -- Irrigation old and new -- Mapping water resources -- Water tables -- Using and conserving water -- Clean water, dirty water -- Water wars ahead? -- Time line of events.