How much freshwater is there on Earth? Can science help us use water
more efficiently? The 'Why Science Matters' series demonstrates how the
science we learn at school is important in every aspect of our everyday
lives. Using case studies and investigations, the series describes the
development of science and technologies that can improve our lives - or
lead to new scientific challenges and controversies. In 'Managing and
Using Water', we find out about the most vital resource on Earth and how
it shapes our landscape. We learn the importance of water as a solvent,
how the power of flowing water can be harnessed to provide us with
energy, how drinking water is cleaned and sewage treated, and new
technologies to combat water shortages around the world.