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The Paradox of Water

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Water is a molecular marvel. Its seemingly simple formula—H2O—dictates the properties that make water both essential for life and easily contaminated. Herein lies the paradox of water: we cannot li...
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  • 17 January 2023
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Water is a molecular marvel. Its seemingly simple formula—H2O—dictates the properties that make water both essential for life and easily contaminated. Herein lies the paradox of water: we cannot live without it, but it is easily rendered “unsafe.” The Paradox of Water explores the intersection of the scientific, social, and policy implications around access to safe drinking water. Drinking water is the smallest fraction of water used by a nation. Yet, the quality of this fraction is what dictates whether a community is healthy, educated, and economically sustained.
 
Bhawani Venkataraman argues that a deeper understanding of the chemical nature of water is crucial to appreciating the challenges around access to safe drinking water. Drawing on recent research and case studies from the US and abroad, this book offers students an understanding of:
  • the processes and oversight needed to ensure the safety of drinking water
  • the role of the precautionary principle in managing drinking water
  • potential solutions for expanding sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water
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Price: $21.95
Pages: 238
Publisher: University of California Press
Imprint: University of California Press
Publication Date: 17 January 2023
Trim Size: 9.00 X 6.00 in
ISBN: 9780520343443
Format: Paperback
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Bhawani Venkataraman is Associate Professor of Chemistry at Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, The New School. She teaches courses that connect chemistry to social and environmental issues.
Contents

List of Illustrations
Preface

1. Introduction
2. Liquid Water: An Essential Ingredient for Life 
3. Water: A Potential Threat to Life 
4. Why Drinking Water Quality Matters 
5. Making Water Safe 
6. Learning from Drinking Water Contamination Events 
7. The Precautionary Principle and Safe Drinking Water 
8. Protecting Nature: Ecosystem Services for Drinking Water 
9. Recycled Potable Water 
10. Decentralized, Appropriate Drinking Water Treatments 
11. Valuing Safe Drinking Water 

Acknowledgments 
Notes 
Additional Resources 
Index