The End of Abundance: Economic Solutions to Water Scarcity
David Zetland has written a very informative, accessible and necessary book which explains the reality of water scarcity and the imperative of applying sound economics and local control to what was previously the exclusive preserve of engineers and politicians. In fact, it is a book that every water engineer and local politician should read to their benefit and that of their customers and citizens. --G. Tracy Mehan, III (former Assistant Administrator for water, US Environmental Protection Agency)This is not a text for those seeking a rehash of the standard "water wars" catechism. Zetland outlines a fresh, creative approach to allocating a valuable resource in regions with competing demands. Importantly, his vision does not entail an expensive and sluggish command-and-control bureaucracy coddling whatever class of water users happen to enjoy momentary political favor. Protecting our environment, growing our food, and supplying our cities has always required the ingenuity of a free people. It is time we realized that in managing our water. --Philip Bowles (President, Bowles Farming Company)There is no scarcity of books describing the challenges the United States and nations across the globe face in managing water to meet today's needs and future demands. The good news is that effective solutions exist. The better news is that David Zetland has written a book that presents solutions to these water challenges that protect public health, ensure ecological vitality, and support economic growth. He delivers the rational way forward in a style and language that the public as well as public officials --- and if we are lucky, politicians! --- can understand and act on. --Michael Deane (Executive Director, National Association of Water Companies)Bold, provocative and refreshing -- Zetland brings common sense to the water scarcity discussion. --Spreck Rosekrans (Senior Analyst, Environmental Defense Fund)Disruptive and provocative, Zetland is the Ben Franklin of water. He hurls common sense against professional aristocrats to ensure our priceless liquid asset belongs, democratically, to 7 billion amateurs like you and me. --James Workman (Author,Heart of Dryness)