Water is the most valuable of our natural resources. It is, however, predicted that an alarming percentage of major cities are going to be running short of it in the next decade. How will this rising demand for water be met? What are the implications of climate change? And what drives a quarter of the population to drink bottled water rather than tap water? This book takes an in-depth look at the myriad meanings of water, from the political and environmental to the societal and spiritual. It explores the controversies surrounding water policy and management, such as the effects of water company privatization. The topical nature of these issues and their global relevance make this book a vital contribution to contemporary research on water and an essential read for anyone with an interest in one of the world's most important and contested resources. <div>Water is the most valuable of our natural resources. It is, however, predicted that an alarming percentage of major cities are going to be running short of it in the next decade. How will this rising demand for water be met? What are the implications of climate change? And what drives a quarter of the population to drink bottled water rather than tap water? This book takes an in-depth look at the myriad meanings of water, from the political and environmental to the societal and spiritual. It explores the controversies surrounding water policy and management, such as the effects of water company privatization. The topical nature of these issues and their global relevance make this book a vital contribution to contemporary research on water and an essential read for anyone with an interest in one of the world's most important and contested resources.