Water Quality Perspectives in a Changing World

Abstract

Water is a crucial part of human life. Ever-increasing population coupled with changing life styles is constantly increasing the demand for water. Today, populations require more water with higher quality standards than before, and it is becoming more difficult to satisfy these demands without altering the balance of nature. Anthropogenic stresses and natural phenomenon are playing critical roles during the supply of sufficient quantities of water with required quality. Consequently, previously unused resources are being considered for use; advanced treatment methods are being implemented to satisfy the quality requirements, and reuse of wastewaters is becoming a significant factor in many parts of the world. While trying to satisfy this supply-demand cycle, resource managers and decision makers are facing other challenges, which, in essence, are re-defining our whole understanding for water resources management. Health concerns related to water quality are being the primary issue all around the world, and the direction of research is now shifting towards understanding the complex interactions that water quality imposes on human health.