The World"s Water is the leading source of information on the state of the world"s freshwater resources, offering comprehensive and accessible analysis of the most important topics in water resource policy worldwide. It reviews major trends and events and provides the most up-to-date data available on water resources and their use.As did the earlier volumes, the 2002-2003 edition includes insightful analysis of a wide range of water issues followed by overview chapters on key topics of current interest. It offers tables of water data, and examines the causes and impacts of water overuse and degradation as well as institutions involved in governing water resources. Most importantly, it establishes strategies and standards by which we can begin to set water policy on a more rational, equitable, and sustainable course.The World"s Water is the only book that offers current data and analysis on freshwater resources worldwide and the political, economic, scientific, and technological issues associated with them. It is an authoritative reference for nonspecialists and specialists alike, including policy makers, water resources specialists, and planners, as well as students and scholars in environmental policy, geography, hydrology, ecology, and related fields.