Much of the progress made over the last century in the control of disease and pestilence has been due not to the development of wonder drugs or breakthroughs in medical science, but simple sanitation, which, in its most elemental form allows for the provisioning of clean water and the safe removal of tainted water. This week we look at another unsung technology that makes our modern life possible. The World Health Organization is the global authority on health and water management and is dedicated to eliminating water based diseases. A large archive of on-line documentation is also available. The American Water Works Association is a non-profit scientific and education organization that aims to improve water quality.
Members cover a broad spectrum of the industry.
Resources available include a bookstore, discussion forums, a selection of technical briefs and regulatory advice. The U.S. Geological Survey has an excellent online database of water resources in the United States. Real time and historical data is available on water quality and stream flow levels as well as a wealth of information on virtually every topic related to natural water flow and precipitation. Details are also given of a host of water related national and regional projects. Blue Planet Most of the Earth is covered with water, but most of this is in the oceans, and, being saltwater, is undrinkable.