Water Wars: Drought, Flood, Folly and the Politics of Thirst

This is a deeply researched and beautifully written book - an essential volume on an immensely important subject. Recent news events prompted my rereading. Since the original copy was on loan, I purchased and recommend the handsome paperback edition. Do not delay buying and reading this compelling book!

This work represents the type of outstanding engagement of intellectual and artistic pursuits that makes being human humane. The piece predates our time and is timeless: it ranks with the best of expressive endeavors. I challenge everyone to read it; and I do mean everyone. If our current leaders want a precise discussion of an important subject, they will put this on reading lists of all schools, organizaitons, groups worldwide.

The author, Diane Raines Ward, is obviously passionate about this subject--she has traveled the world and seen with her own eyes the good and the bad of water 'management.' She does not make assumptions, she does not make sweeping generalizations--she examines each dam, river, levee and irrigation system individually, thereby proving how complicated the water wars are. Her passion for the subject also makes the book quite readable; it is written more like a novel than a scientific treatise. My only complaint is the complete lack of maps and diagrams, but that does not stop me from giving the book 5 stars.

Ms. Ward's book left me with a lot to think about. The next true crisis in the world will be "water". One thing that I was thoroughly impressed was the way she not only presented problems, but, probably solutions. The recent North Carolina drought showed that everyone in the near future will begin to experience water problems. Ms. Ward's book reminded me that we need to think more about permanent solutions instead of stop gap measures

Not only is this book a fast-paced, engrossing read, it is a vital one. Water will be the next human battleground and this book provides vast insight into the subject. Ms. Ward's style is a friendly, conversational one. It's a terrific book.