Water harvesting for groundwater augmentation is not a new concept, but is increasing in use globally as adequate, good quality resources decline and populations increase. This book by the late Dr. Datta seeks to logically guide the reader through the continuing evolution of water harvesting and management via the main themes of planning, implementation, maintenance and governance. These are examined in detail and critically assessed, with core ideals at the heart of sustainable water resources management (such as efficient and inclusive demand management strategies and balanced resource allocation) further explored.
The importance of site-specific conceptual modelling is detailed here, alongside the growing call for educated governance to utilise this knowledge. It champions hydrogeological expertise and involvement throughout the project lifecycle. Ways of improving public awareness of water resource knowledge and investment are examined, in tandem with much needed education of end users regarding the information, effort and money that goes into establishing and maintaining clean water sources.
The focus here is to establish planning, monitoring and governance successfully all over India, with these themes instantly applicable globally. Much of the book details practical methods and issues that are often glossed over in the drive for new technological engineering solutions for water production. The author knits together all aspects of the modern world in regard to water demand, not just potable means but also for food (agricultural) and energy needs, and addresses the scale range from single dwellings to large multi-national organisations.
Case studies are primarily, but not exclusively, set in India. These highlight the need for site-specific knowledge to maximise harvesting scheme viability. With effective diagrams the book clearly sets out the advantages and disadvantages of various water harvesting methods, highlighting where these structures/approaches are best applied, dependent on aquifer type and urban or rural footprints, including Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). As well as successes, site failures are examined to enable implementation of best practices to maximise not just economic benefits, but social, environmental and beyond.
Various types of governance/management are examined, encouraging readers and policy makers to gain good technical understanding, which engages all stakeholders equally regardless of economic or social power. This book sums up Dr. Datta’s drive to enable and empower governance (and readers) to ensure good water quality supply for all, using transparency, knowledge exchange and sharing of responsibility to protect water resources into the future. This book is a good tool for all looking to get involved practically or as case-study research.
Reviewed by Jessica Crane
WATER HARVESTING FOR GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT: ISSUES, PERSPECTIVES, SCOPE, AND CHALLENGES, by Partha Sarathi Datta, 2019. Published by: John Wiley and Sons Ltd. 252pp. (hbk). ISBN: 978-1-119-47202-5
List Price: £90.00
W: www.wiley.com/en-gb