Includes bibliographical references (pages 203-209) and index.
Contents:
ch. One "Improving" Rivers in America: From the Revolution to the Progressive Era -- ch. Two How Bad Theory Can Lead to Good Technology: Water Supply and Sewerage in the Age of Miasmas -- ch. Three Pure and Plentiful: The Development of Modern Waterworks in the United States, 1880 -- 2000 -- ch. Four The Environmental Impact of the Big Dam Era -- ch. Five Private Water: The Curious Case of San Jose's Water Supply -- ch. Six The Historical Significance of Houston's Buffalo Bayou -- ch. Seven Houston's Public Sinks: Water and Wastewater Services -- Local Concerns to Regional Challenges -- ch. Eight Privatization of Water: U.S. and Worldwide Implications.
Summary:
As an essential resource, water has been the object of warfare, political wrangling, individual and corporate abuse, and commodification, with multinational corporations vying for water supply contracts in many countries. In Precious Commodity, Martin V. Melosi examines water resources in the United States and addresses whether access to water is an inalienable right of citizens and if government is responsible for its distribution as a public good.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.