Description
Book SynopsisAs an essential resource, water has been the object of warfare, political wrangling, and individual and corporate abuse. Melosi examines water resources in the United States and addresses whether access to water is an inalienable right of citizens, and if government is responsible for its distribution as a public good.
Trade Review“
Precious Commodity is cutting-edge environmental history. In it, Melosi asks an essential question—who determines the control and distribution of water? His sharp insights into the interlocking relationship between public and private ownership and the impact this has had on resource allocation across time and place demonstrate how difficult it will be to achieve a sustainable water future.” —Char Miller, Pomona College
“With searching and thoughtful analyses of the urban, technological, and environmental dimensions of the management of water resources, Melosi advances our understanding of the past and assists our capacity to plan intelligently for the future.” —Jeffrey K. Stine, author of
America's Forested Wetlands: From Wasteland to Valued Resource“A remarkable collection of information regarding water-related issues . . . intelligently written . . . highly recommended.” —
Journal of the American Water Resources Association
