ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore some of the critical issues surrounding the use of water resources. The first section deals with water resource use, and our primary focus is on demand for water and some of the key ways in which water is used, including the generation of hydroelectricity and irrigation. Large dam construction schemes have attracted mounting controversy during the latter part of the twentieth century, and we explore that debate. We also reflect on wetlands, which are critical habitats for many important wildlife species and serve important environmental functions. The second section concentrates on some of the more widespread problems that arise from water resource use, including land drainage and waterlogging, salinisation and desalination, water pollution, and eutrophication (nutrient enrichment).
