Adapting to the Freshwater Crisis

Tree ring expert Kevin Anchukaitis, of the tree ring lab at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, part of Columbia University's Earth Institute, talks about the information available in tree rings. And Colin Chartres, the director general of the International Water Management Institute, talks to Lynne Peeples about water issues. Plus, we test your knowledge of some recent science in the news, specifically the November issue of Scientific American magazine. Web sites related to this episode include http://snipurl.com/sciamwater; http://snipurl.com/sciamnov

Australia is at the forefront of a global water crisis. Some of the management lessons learned there could help bail out California and other parched regions before they meet the same fate

A new study using satellite data suggests the region is using more groundwater than is being replenished by rainfall

Removing the salt from briny water is becoming more affordable

ScientificAmerican.com chats with Rose George, author of a book that goes where few books have gone before

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?

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 many ways we squander water, from unintentional leaks to outright negligence

Test your knowledge about water and its use

Water supplies around the world are already severely stressed. Population growth and global warming will only worsen those problems