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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Soil and Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #153142
Title: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF WATER SCIENCE

Author
item STEWART, B - WEST TEXAS A&M UNIV.
item HOWELL, TERRY

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Water Science
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2003
Publication Date: 8/1/2003
Citation: Stewart, B.A., Howell, T.A. 2003. Encyclopedia of Water Science. New York: Marcel-Dekker, Inc. 1076 P.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The efficient use of water and the protection of water resources can only be accomplished by informed producers and policy makers. Therefore, it is critical that state-of-the-art information be readily available. This encyclopedia was designed and compiled to meet this need. Scientists, policy makers, educators and others involved with water use from around the world prepared more than 200 entries addressing 20 important water topics ranging from the chemistry of water to the application of irrigation water to agricultural fields. The topics address historical and current areas of water science with an emphasis on agricultural water issues. It is a print version and part of a series of encyclopedias with companion internet versions available on a subscription fee basis. All living things require water. More importantly, they require it on a daily basis and often in a nearly pure state. As the world population increased from 2.5 billion people in 1950 to more than 6 billion by 2000, the demand for water has resulted in a crisis in many locations. One in five people of the world do not have access to safe and affordable drinking water, and half of the people do not have access to sanitation. With the world population predicted to reach almost 8 billion by 2025, the management and treatment of water will become critical. Most of the world's water is salt water that is unsuitable for most uses. Fresh water makes up only 2.5 percent of the supply and two-thirds of this is glaciers and permafrost. Therefore, less than 1 percent of the world's water is suitable for most uses. Of this, agriculture is the biggest user of water withdrawals from groundwater and surface water supplies. Agriculture uses 69 percent compared to 21 percent for industrial purposes and 10 percent for domestic use. Clearly, all water users must become more efficient. Food production during the past 50 years has more than kept pace with population growth. Per capita grain production increased from 247 kg in 1950 to more than 300 kg today largely due to increased irrigation requiring large amounts of water.