The Big Thirst

Author and journalist Charles Fishman published The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water in 2011. This nonfiction book examines the history and origins of water, the rising concern of water scarcity, and our changed relationship with the substance. Fishman asserts that people generally take water for granted, even though it is crucial to the environment and to society. The book examines how we can repair this dismissive attitude, which Fishman contends is key to ensuring water is both potable and fairly distributed in the future.

Summary

For much of history, water was potentially destructive, due to waterborne illnesses. Further, people had to fetch water. In the 20th century, in industrial societies, water has become cheap, abundant, and safe. People now take it for granted, making it figuratively invisible. However, people will pay for marketing, as in bottled water. Water conflicts remain relatively uncommon, due to the abundance of water.

Fishman predicts a forthcoming water scarcity, one which he claims is already underway. This scarcity will produce problems, making people aware of water again.

Despite the prevalence of water, most people know surprising little about it. Scientists have found that water formed in space, before the formation of Earth. Water now circulates throughout the planetary environment. Most of Earth’s water may be hidden in rocks deep beneath the surface. This water, while not reachable, may balance the surface water.

Electronic devices require extremely clean water for manufacturing. IBM and other companies produce special water, which costs more than regular tap water. This technology also improves public water supplies.

Las Vegas, the driest city in America, has some of the densest water use. This use includes water features at casinos, golf courses, and in homes. As the population of Las Vegas soared, its per capita water use dropped. An activist water utility head pushed initiatives to reduce and recycle water. Numerous businesses and individuals in the city also contributed.

Other American cities have more rainfall than Las Vegas but still could face water shortages. Such shortages can lead to political and economic controversies. Fishman argues that people should relate differently to water, taking more notice of it, to plan for and prevent future water problems.

Fishman uses the example of Galveston, Texas. Galveston faces a large hurricane. The hurricane destroys the water supply. The city keeps residents out of their homes while restoring water. Finally, the city restores water.

Businesses including hotels, technology companies, cruise lines, and a wool producer, also face water problems. As these companies become aware of water, they develop alternatives. By managing water, the businesses save money.

In Australia, an already dry country, a large drought called the “Big Dry” reduces rainfall. Farms fail, and cities run low on water. Water utilities want to alter the water culture in order to reduce consumption. They also build desalination plants, along with pipelines, to produce more drinking water.

In India, rich and poor residents in both cities and villages have shortages of water. Under British rule, India had 24-hour water. However, decay reduced service to only a few hours per week. Richer residents, as well as some slums, have their own water supplies. Despite a fast-developing economy, India still has water shortages, and unsafe water.

In developed countries, people think that water should be free. Because water is cheap and abundant, most economists do not research water. Mike Young, an Australian economist and environmentalist, argues for tiered water pricing, while providing basic water at cost.

Water designers make attractive fountains for airports and casinos. Politicians and companies exploit people’s water illiteracy. Fishman argues for a water crisis that is local, and for local responses. By relating differently to water, people can reduce water waste and better manage the resource.