Introduction to Water Resources and Environmental Issues

Thoroughly updated and expanded new edition introduces students to the complex world of water resources and environmental issues.

Karrie Lynn Pennington (Author), Thomas V. Cech (Author)

9781108746847, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 August 2021

440 pages
25.3 x 20.4 x 2 cm, 1.06 kg

'Although written as a university textbook, I highly recommend this book for readers who wish to understand more about environmental issues affecting water resources. The authors attempt to provide a balanced and realistic approach to an individual's right for access to safe drinking water and the need to protect nature. It certainly was an eye opener for me.' Julie Aitken, The Leading Edge

How much water does the world need to support growing human populations? What are the potential effects of climate change on the world's water resources? These questions and more are discussed in this thoroughly updated and expanded new edition. Written at the undergraduate level, this accessible textbook covers the fundamentals of water resources, water law, allocation, quality and quantity, health issues, and provides examples of potential personal actions and solutions. There is a keener focus on climate change, as many of the predictions made in the first edition have now come to pass. This new edition features improved artwork, more active learning prompts, more positive examples of beneficial changes, basic introductions to scientific approaches and a discussion of emerging contaminants and LiDAR technology. It contains strong teaching features, with new 'In Depth' and 'Think About It' sections to encourage class discussion, and homework questions to test students' understanding.

1. Perspectives on water and environmental issues
2. The water environment of early civilizations
3. The hydrologic cycle
4. Water quality
5. Watershed basics
6. Groundwater
7. Lakes and ponds
8. Rivers and streams
9. Wetlands
10. Dams and reservoirs
11. Drinking water and wastewater treatment
12. Water allocation laws
13. Roles of federal, regional, state, and local water management agencies
14. Water conflicts, solutions, and our future
Index.

Subject Areas: Agricultural engineering & machinery [TVD], Agricultural science [TVB], Water supply & treatment [TQSW], Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Hydraulics & pneumatics [TGMF2], Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK]