Forward-thinking experts are getting a better handle on the growing global water shortage and coming up with innovative approaches to ensuring the security, safety and sustainability of this resource
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Features
20 Questions: Freshwater
Test your knowledge about water and its use
Features
Go Ahead, Say It: Shit--There, Now We Can Seriously Discuss Sanitation
ScientificAmerican.com chats with Rose George, author of a book that goes where few books have gone before
Scientific American Magazine
The Challenge of Sustainable Water
Water supplies around the world are already severely stressed. Population growth and global warming will only worsen those problems
Scientific American Magazine
Facing the Freshwater Crisis
As demand for freshwater soars, planetary supplies are becoming unpredictable. Existing technologies could avert a global water crisis, but they must be implemented soon
The Editors Recommend
Slide Shows
Watering a Thirsty World [Slide Show]
See how overstretched freshwater supplies will increasingly influence the way we live.
Features
Top 10 Water Wasters: From Washing Dishes to Watering the Desert
The many ways we squander water, from unintentional leaks to outright negligence
Special Editions
Energy versus Water: Solving Both Crises Together
Water is needed to generate energy. Energy is needed to deliver water. Both resources are limiting the other—and both may be running short.
Is there a way out?
Features
Drink Up: Taking the Salt Out of Seawater
Removing the salt from briny water is becoming more affordable