A Water Story: Learning from the Past, Planning for the Future

Description

Freshwater scarcity is a critical challenge, with social, economic, political and environmental consequences. Water crises in Australia have already led to severe restrictions being applied in cities, drought ravaging farmlands, and the near-terminal decline of some rivers and wetlands. A Water Story provides an account of Australian water management practices, set against important historical precedents and the contemporary experience of other countries. It describes the nature and distribution of the country's natural water resources, management of these resources by Indigenous Australians, the development of urban water supply, and support for pastoral activities and agricultural irrigation, with the aid of case studies and anecdotes. This is followed by discussion of the environmental consequences and current challenges of water management, including food supply, energy and climate change, along with options for ensuring sustainable, adequate high-quality water supplies for a growing population. A Water Story is an important resource for water professionals and those with an interest in water and the environment and related issues, as well as students and the wider community.

Geoff Beeson is an independent researcher with a long-held interest in water use and management. He has a background in science and a PhD in science education. He was formerly a professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Deakin University. He has worked in several countries and has travelled widely throughout Australia and overseas observing developments in water management practices, both ancient and modern.

"Anyone seeking a broad perspective on the whole field will find this an accessible and non-technical guide, including useful references in the footnotes to direct further reading on a whole range of more specialised topics. CSIRO Publishing has produced an extensively illustrated and attractive paperback printed on paper of a quality rarely found in paperbacks." -- Tony Dingle * Historical Records of Australian Science 31(2) 2020 * "This type of in-depth, unbiased, but critical material about Australia's water resources cannot be found on the internet. It is all here in this one publication." -- Bob Winters * Geographical Education Vol 33 *