Water Crisis

1/21/2022

When the World Runs Dry: Earth's Water in Crisis
by Nancy F. Castaldo

Everything is connected.

Providing sufficient potable water to meet the needs of a parched world is an ongoing challenge. Like a detective, Castaldo searches for insights and solutions to this global crises.

When the World Runs Dry: Earth’s Water in Crisis opens with an examination of water pollution due to lead, coal production, fracking, pesticides, fertilizer, sewage, pharmaceuticals, and harmful bacteria. Some of these factors such as lead contamination have received extensive news coverage. Some less. Case in point: In 2003 scientists discovered more than three-quarters of Chesapeake Bay smallmouth-bass had female egg cells growing inside male reproductive organs. The fish were ingesting synthetic estrogen found in waterways.

Basic information is supported with photographs, case studies, quotations, personal accounts, background, call out boxes, political implications, a variety of examples from around the globe, and financial details.

In addition to water quality, this informational book for tweens and teens describes other stressors affecting the earth’s water crisis including decreased water supply, climate change, and societal or political conflicts.

Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

The famous Coleridge line is a reminder that the occurrence of tropical storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other global water-related phenomena often result in flooding and rising seas, adding to the world's water stress.

A strength of the book is the call-to-action suggestions embedded throughout the narrative. The concluding chapter, "You Can Make a Difference" offers easy-to-implement ideas such as "Take shorter showers. You can save gallons of water by taking a five-minute shower instead of an eight-minute shower." Project ideas include instructions for making a rain barrel or growing your own garden. Profiles of young "Water Warriors" and a list of water protecting organizations will inspire readers.

Extensive back matter consists of Acknowledgements, thorough Source Notes arranged by chapter, an Index, Resources including Calendar items, Videos,, Books, Activities, and a Glossary.