High and Dry

Meeting the Challenges of the World's Growing Dependence on Groundwater

Alley William M., Alley Rosemarie

An engaging call to understand and protect groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for almost half of the world's population.

Groundwater is essential for drinking water and food security. It provides enormous environmental benefits by keeping streams and rivers flowing. But a growing global population, widespread use of industrial chemicals, and climate change threaten this vital resource. Groundwater depletion and contamination has spread from isolated areas to many countries throughout the world. In this accessible and timely book, hydrology expert William M. Alley and science writer Rosemarie Alley sound the call to protect groundwater.

Drawing on examples from around the world, including case studies in the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and Sub-Saharan Africa, the authors examine groundwater from key scientific and socioeconomic perspectives. While addressing the serious nature of groundwater problems, the book includes stories of people who are making a difference in protecting this critical resource.

About the Author

Director of science and technology for the National Ground Water Association, William M. Alley is a hydrology expert and authority on groundwater.

Rosemarie Alley is a veteran science writer.

They previously co-authored the book "Too Hot to Touch", on nuclear waste.

Reviews

"Earth's water problems – both in quantity and in quality – are one of the 21st century's greatest challenges. High and Dry provides a vital roadmap for dealing with them" – John Fleck, author of "Water is for Fighting Over: and Other Myths about Water in the West"

"Imagine a book about groundwater that reads like a novel, and is overflowing with interesting and essential knowledge about a much-neglected topic. This is the book" – Bruce Babbitt, former United States Secretary of the Interior

"'High and Dry' is the right book at the right time. Groundwater is unseen but the Alleys bring the issues related to this vital resource to the fore for all to see" – Michael Campana, Oregon State University and American Water Resources Association

"There is little information available for general consumption that explains why groundwater is important, how it works and what can be done to solve current problems. This book provides that information in an extremely readable way" – Mark Giordano, Georgetown's School of Foreign Service

"The partnership of an eminent scientist and a science writer has produced vivid narratives spanning the globe about groundwater: a critical yet overused resource. They propose sensible reforms to curb over pumping and protect the environment. Their message deserves a wide audience" – Robert Glennon, University of Arizona and author of "Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis and What To Do About It"

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