Establishing Public-Private Partnerships for Water and Wastewater Systems: A Blueprint for Success
Published by the Water Partnership Council, this handbook offers information to communities considering partnerships with the private sector to meet water and wastewater needs. The publication provides information about the workings of such partnerships — at least from the perspective of private interests promoting partnerships. In this way the publication is self-serving, but valuable information is presented nonetheless. For example, an interesting point is raised by the statement, “Although the terms public-private partnership and privatization are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.” The free publication is available by calling 202-466-5445 or by visiting http://www.waterpartnership.org

EPA Reports on Public Attitudes and Research Goals

Survey tells of public drinking water attitudes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released results of a public survey about the nation’s drinking water. EPA commissioned the Gallup Organization to conduct a nationwide telephone survey of 1,000 households during Aug. and Sept. 2002, and the results of the survey are included in the report titled, “Analysis and Findings of The Gallup Organization’s Drinking Water Customer Survey.” The survey assessed: general drinking water consumer knowledge; water use behavior; public confidence with information sources; and value placed on EPA’s right-to-know efforts. The survey can be obtained at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/pdf/

Climate and Water Transboundary Challenges in the Americas
Editors, Henry F. Diaz and Barbara J. Morehouse Consisting of papers presented at a conference in Santa Barbara, California in 2000, this book discusses the impact of climatic variations on water resources and water resource management in the Americas, with a focus on border regions. The wide context enables readers to identify issues common to various border regions. At the same time, however, the U.S.-Mexico border gets a good proportion of the coverage.

Complex in any context, the topic of climate’s effect on water management and allocation gains increased complexity when border regions are studied.

University of Arizona scholars contributing to the volume include Andrew Comrie, Barbara Morehouse, and Terry Sprouse who is from the Water Resources Research Center. $120. Kluwer Academic Publishers, http://www.wkap.nl/

Water: Science and Issues
The interdisciplinary focus of this four-volume encyclopedia of water encourages the broad perspective, with water viewed as a relevant topic in such fields as biology, chemistry, ecology, geography, geology, history, hydrology, economics, engineering, oceanography, international law, policy, planning and management. With 150 experts contributing more than 300 entries, the work provides information for a broad understanding of the complexities and interconnections of the water resources field. Relatively recent issues are addressed including security, globalization and pharmaceuticals in water supplies. This is a reference work with broad appeal, of interest to students and as well as water professional wanting to refresh and expand their knowledge about specific issues. Published by Macmillan Reference USA, the set is priced at $350 if purchased before Dec. 31, and $395 thereafter. For more information including ordering instructions check the web site: http://www.gale.com/macmillan

On-line Sources for Water News and Information

Sooner or later, publishers and editors of printed newsletters are up against the question: Would it be better to switch to an on-line version of the publication? Spiraling costs favor such a move. Further, appearing on-line, such newsletters seem more in the vanguard of the information age than a paper-ink-and-mailed version. At the same time, there is much to be said in favor of a printed newsletter, such as this one. In the interest of a balanced approach, the AWR newsletter notes below two free, informative, on-line sources of water information.

Safedrinkingwater.com NEWS
Billing itself as the “Premier newsletter for the drinking water quality community,” this free online drinking water newsletter provides up-to-date information on national, state and local drinking water issues; trends and regulations; as well as other newsworthy items from around the globe. Topics attracting frequent coverage include groundwater contamination, fluoride, arsenic, water security, microbiological issues, perchlorate, MTBE and water research. Subscribers also receive Alerts! on breaking news. Subscribe to the newsletter by visiting http://www.safedrinkingwater.com and clicking “subscribe.”

California Water News
This free Brown and Caldwell newsletter mostly covers California water happenings but also provides information of broader significance, addressing regional issues or water affairs in general. With California and Arizona sharing an interest in various water issues, the newsletter’s coverage often has special interest to Arizona readers. Considering also that the water affairs of a particular state are not so specialized as to exclude the interest of other states, California water news can add to the water perspective of many out-of-state readers. The newsletter is available free to qualified individuals, including directors, board members and employees of water resources agencies; persons in public service and education who “need to know” about developments in the water resources field. Subscribe at http://www.bcwaternews.com

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