ABSTRACT
We have topay attention to how the world manages its water . . . production has to be increased, qualiv improved. . . to guarantee that we can meet the water needs of all the people on earth and protect the environment. . . . overuse and misuse of land and water resources in river basins . . . has seriously depleted andpolluted [rivers] . . . degrading andpoisoning the rivers' surrounding ecosystems, threatening the health and livelihoods of people who depend upon them for irrigation, drinking and industrial water. l7
I N the U.S., we treat drinking water primarily for two reasons: (1) to make it potable or safe by removing harmfbl organisms and chemicals, and (2) to make it palatable or taste good by removing nuisance chemicals andlor gases.
