Water 4.0: The Past, Present, and Future of the World s Most Vital Resource Hardcover – January 28, 2014

David Sedlak’s book is the clearest articulation of the multiple facets of urban water supply and water quality that I have read.Many of us take for granted that water comes out of the tap when we turn it on, and that it disappears down the drain or toilet when we are finished with it. But what happens before the tap flows, and after water is used, is complex to the point of being amazing. It is also flawed and leaves tremendous room for improvement in efficiency and overall function.In tackling this subject, Sedlak not only translates the technical workings of urban water systems into understandable language accessible to the non-specialist, but does so within an engaging narrative that puts technology into its historical context. More importantly, Sedlak gives us a look into the future: with coherent descriptions of urban water’s next incarnations, Water 4.0 throws down the gauntlet with a vision for reinvention of water systems.This book is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered what it takes to get clean water to their home, where it goes to after they use it, and how we will need to change things to respond to an uncertain future.

This is a great historical review of the four stages of water engineering.Very interesting and well written, I read it in just a few sittings, found it engaging.Possibly a bit too text-bookish for the general public, but that really depends upon thereader's background.Nicely done!

David Sedlak's treatise on the history and future prospects for water resources in our society is an eye-opening look at the remarkable engineering that has helped to make our civilization what it is today. His organization of water infrastructure development into four major "revolutions" seems appropriate and logical, and this treatment helps to explain the sometimes curious ways in which we currently access and dispose of the water we use. The book is an excellent read for both the expert and novice reader, and Professor Sedlak's deep understanding of the subject matter is readily apparent. The writing style is fun and easy to follow, and I found myself having many "aha!" moments as I read about development of treatment technologies and water delivery methods.Most importantly, Sedlak takes great care to highlight the significant and critical challenges that we face at this particular moment with respect to both water quality and water quantity. It is abundantly clear that our society must reevaluate the way in which we use and dispose of water if we are to avoid serious environmental, social, and economic hardships. Water 4.0 should prove a rallying point for those interested in this important topic, and therefore I highly recommend this book to anyone who cares about the health and well-being of both our society and the global environment.

This book is a great learning opportunity for audiences ranging from the casual science-minded reader to those actively working in the water field. Sedlak tells an inspiring narrative of how populations over time have risen to the challenge of developing water conveyance and improving public and environmental health through water and wastewater treatment. The particular challenges confronted by regions all around the U.S. are explored through fascinating and detailed historical anecdotes. Most importantly, the book addresses the ways in which populations of different scale and geography may continue to provide clean water in a world with a changing climate and diminishing energy reserves. The book describes a challenging yet hopeful way forward, while remaining pragmatic and engaging throughout.

The book arrived several days ahead of the scheduled delivery (great as it is required for school) and it is in perfect condition.

Interesting book and water system history and possible future. If water is of interest, this is a nice read.

This book makes what could have been a dull, textbook-like subject and makes it both interesting and approachable for people of all different backgrounds. While the technical aspects of providing water to billions of people throughout history and future are not ignored, this book focuses more on the drivers for why decisions were made and will need to be made in order to meet the challenge. Technical aspects are explained in a way that makes them accessible to the layperson, while the background, history, and context are explained in a way to better round out the understanding of those in the water industry. Sedlak never waxes political or beats the environmental war drum. Rather, he provides a balanced, reasoned argument for the ways to make providing billions of people with clean water a feasible reality while maintaining our quality of life and protecting our environment.

This is a fine book about how water has, and continues to flow to and away from our homes and cities. Great historical perspective and ideas for the future of our water cycle. My only complaint is that farm use and misuse of water was not mentioned. The fact that arid states have irrigated thousands of acres of desert to grow crops that should be growing other places is the true crime of water misuse. Those crimes have been highly subsidized by government boondoggle at taxpayer expense. The more that we understand our water cycle the better we will be in our future decisions regarding the most precious resource.