High and Dry: Meeting the Challenges of the World's Growing Dependence on Groundwater

by William M. Alley, Rosemarie Alley

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300220384
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	02/21/2017
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d)

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 coauthored the book Too Hot to Touch, on nuclear waste.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

1 Beyond Rain 1

2 India's Silent Revolution 17

3 Arizona 29

4 The World's Poorest People 52

5 Not All Aquifers Are Created Equal 68

6 Who Owns Groundwater? 87

7 Streamflow Depletion 108

8 Water for Nature 130

9 That Sinking Feeling 151

10 Recharge and Recycling 167

11 Poisoning the Well 178

12 Pathogens 195

13 Arsenic 203

14 Fracking 217

15 Nitrate and Aquifer Protection 225

16 Transboundary Aquifers 236

17 Sharing the Common Pool 243

Notes 251

Further Reading 283

Index 285

Editorial Reviews

"Through captivating stories and thoughtful prose, William and Rosemarie Alley take readers on a journey to better understand groundwater."—Water Deeply

"Takes readers on a worldwide tour to uncover the main issues surrounding groundwater use."—Water Well Journal

“Humans need to do the utmost to protect water, and the first step is to know more about it. High and Dry is the perfect introductory book on the topic . . . Essential.”—Choice

"The book is timely, informative, very readable and reasonably priced. It would work well as a supplemental text for undergraduate or graduate seminar courses in geology or environmental studies. You might also consider giving a copy to a public official."—Alan E. Fryar, Groundwater

“An excellent read for anyone interested in a popular science introduction to groundwater.”—Andy Baker, Quarterly Review of Biology

Won the 2017 Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Title

"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

From the Publisher

“Humans need to do the utmost to protect water, and the first step is to know more about it. High and Dry is the perfect introductory book on the topic . . . Essential.”—Choice

Choice

“Takes readers on a worldwide tour to uncover the main issues surrounding groundwater use.”—Water Well Journal

Water Well Journal

“Through captivating stories and thoughtful prose, William and Rosemarie Alley take readers on a journey to better understand groundwater.”—Water Deeply

Water Deeply

“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

Robert Glennon

“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

Mark Giordano

“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

Michael Campana

"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

Bruce Babbitt

“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

John Fleck