You are a bag of water—some three quarters H2O at birth, falling to three fifths in adulthood—so the fate of Earth's freshwater resources in large part delineates your fate as well.

"Surface Tension: The Future of Water," explores the matchless beauty of water and celebrates humankind's diverse interactions with our most important molecule. The exhibition, being mounted by the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin as part of New York City's upcoming World Science Festival May 30 to June 3, also considers various critical aspects of the present state of our water supply as well as what may happen to it in time.

» View a slide show of selected images from the exhibition

Earth has plentiful water, but only a tiny fraction is available for human use, and a still smaller amount is potable. The seven billion people living on our planet rely on the same 1 percent of available freshwater as did every previous generation. In the meantime many of us use far too much freshwater whereas many more cannot find enough to use at all, and climate change can only exacerbate the problem—a disturbing prospect that may result global tensions, even wars.

The interactive show, which comprises more than 50 different exhibits developed by scientists, engineers, artists and designers, delves into the multiplicity of our relations with the very stuff of life, playing on water's unique physical properties, its crucial roles in living, political and economic systems, and new ways by which it can be harnessed, purified and distributed.

Jump in.

"Surface Tension," which first opened in Dublin, will run from May 30 through August 11, 2012, at the Eyebeam Art + Technology Center in New York City (free admittance). For more information, visit the Science Gallery’s "Surface Tension" site and the exhibit’s World Science Festival page.

» View a slide show of selected images from the exhibition

9 Comments

1. 1. geojellyroll 01:09 PM 5/21/12

   There's lots of fresh water her in Canada. If one lives in a country with limited amounts then the solution is simple...population reduction! Everything else is more or less feel-good nothingness.

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2. 2. priddseren 02:10 PM 5/21/12

   There is plenty of water. We humans barely scratch the amount of fresh water and technological advances will eventually make sea water available beyond the few places in the world where that is already being done.
   
   However, before the enviro-extremists get on their high horses about how evil America is for using water in agriculture, while other parts of the world suffer with water shortages, check the reality of those places.
   
   For example, India uses one of the largest fresh water supplies they have, the Ganges river as a bathtub, sewer and cemetery by dumping the ashes of the dead in the river. So when those parts of the world catch up to America with keeping water clean, then maybe they can complain they dont have enough. Yes America wastes water in Agriculture but at least that produces food. When you have ridiculous "traditions" or people so self centered they would use a river for a bath, then sorry there is simply no reason to demand someone else solve the problem.
   
   Considering most places in Africa and Asia use their rivers and lakes for waste, too bad for them. I am not on this planet to pay for the stupidity of others.

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3. 3. tucanofulano 03:28 PM 5/21/12

   Solar energy to electricity to conversion of ocean water to drinking water will work as long as there are oceans and sun, of course

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4. 4. jtdwyer 03:52 PM 5/21/12

   The article very clearly states the problem:
   "The seven billion people living on our planet rely on the same 1 percent of available freshwater as did every previous generation."
   
   However, since the population has increased from ~2.5 billion people in 1950, the amount of potable water has more likely been significantly decreased due to human, industrial and agricultural contamination!
   
   Since the population is projected to increase to >9 billion by 2050, perhaps controlling population growth should receive the highest priority. Reducing regional populations to 1950 levels would produce a much more sustainable environment!

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5. 5. HoboTraveler.com 05:54 PM 5/21/12

   I have lived in 90 countries, most what we call the underdeveloped countries. There is plenty of water, but the big problem is the bottle water companies are all normally owned by people who are also in the government in the poorer countries. They will sabotage any effort to have clean water. Andy Graham of HoboTraveler.com, 14 years of perpetual travel and still on the road.

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6. 6. ejames429 08:17 PM 5/21/12

   First stop polluting perfectly good water and pumping it underground to get Natural Gas!! Why in hell are we allowing Gas companies to pump water that has been contaminated with chemicals into the ground where it will likely remain for hundreds of years or until people decide they have to pump it out and clean it in order to drink it? Human beings are the most retarded of species! The deficate right in the same place they eat and then invite others to come over do the same all so they drive around in cars! The answer is obvious and right under our noses but greed stops us from taking the obvious course to correct these most basic of problems!

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7. 7. northamerican in reply to priddseren 09:19 PM 5/21/12

   Priddseren: The article is about solving water problems, not name calling. Since you write that you are not interested in helping others, Why are you bothering to read and write in a forum held by those who do want to contribute to the world? Read on if you are a self interested angler, or like cheap energy, and DIY projects.
   
   Harvesting rain water, and composting toilets, both at comercial scales, could save not only river water that would improve fish habitat, but save on energy consumption since much of the cost of municipal water is the pumping and processing. High-tech composting toilets could recoup nutrients that could be returned to tree farms etc. to cheapen yield while reducing pollution, and reducing use of energy intensive fertilizer.
   
   What is needed is for architects and engineers to develop the structures and technologies so that city governments can put such technologies into their building and safety codes.
   

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8. 8. oldhopalong 08:19 PM 5/27/12

   I keep pushing for good grade school earth science classes. More co2 means more flora would be able to exist. More flora produces more o2. More o2 means more fauna. A very nice cycle of life, don't you think?
   
   I also hold in wonder those who rail against fossil fuels. Their very lives are impacted by products made from petroleum, such as this wonderful computer with witch I write. Water is not wasted in Agriculture. How do you suppose our little organic herbs and vegetables are grown. Unicorn urine, I suppose.
   
   Those who are proponents of population control should lead by example and throw themselves on the pyre. think of it as late trimester birth control.
   
   Kudos to those who thoughtfully research the problem. We need answers not bumper stickers. These are the scientific Americans.
   
   

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9. 9. Eco_steve 06:59 AM 6/24/12

   Enforce water recycling and there will be enough for all. That includes water used for agriculture, mining and fracking. Get Las vegas to recycle waste water to replenish the Colorado. If certain technologies cannot allow water to be recycled, ban them altogether!

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