Water is so prevalent in our lives that we don’t see it, it becomes transparent. But the truth is that, today more than ever, we need to preserve this valuable resource in a sustainable way. Xylem Inc., through its Watermark program, invites you to read this book and discover many things about this vital element that today is being threatened, from its properties as a molecule to how it is distributed to our houses. We want this book to contribute to our Latin American region, so children and young people learn from these words and take action… because every drop counts!

This comprehensive book presents an analytical journey through the relationship between water and Latin American societies, offering an engineering perspective on historical water resource utilization. The book unravels the integral role water has played in the cultural, technological, and socio-economic development of the region, providing a foundational reference for engineers, academics, and researchers. The book's exploration into water's perception and usage throughout history provides key insights into how human activity has impacted water resources and vice versa. It presents a meticulous examination of water as both a natural and cultural phenomenon, identifying its essential role in sustaining life and ecosystems, as well as its potential for causing devastation through disease and natural disasters. We delve into the complexities of water's role in society, illustrating how it is woven into the fabric of everyday life, religious ceremonies, and global events. The book also underscores the varying significance and implications of water across different regions within Latin America. The narrative unfolds across three major sections: Technology, Water Management, and Socio-Cultural-Economical Impact. The 'Technology' section examines the evolution of water-related technologies and their significant socio-economic implications. The 'Water Management' part offers a holistic perspective on water resource management practices, both historical and contemporary. The final section delves into the societal implications of water use, including conflicts arising from political and economic decisions related to this crucial resource. Designed for engineers, environmental scientists, and policy-makers, this book provides a unique blend of historical context, technical knowledge, and socio-cultural insights. It offers an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the interplay between engineering practices, water resources, and societal developments in Latin America. It serves as a springboard for further research and informed decision-making in water resource management and policy, fostering a greater understanding of the myriad ways in which water influences and is influenced by human activity.

This book focuses in the current situation of water resources, water supply and sanitation, and population movement in Latin America. It identifies new phenomena and challenges that will put more pressure on water resources in the near future and that will create important socioeconomic constraints in population and their governments. This volume offers an evaluation of water resources availability and consumption, water supply and sanitation shortages, management models and population growth and territory occupation trends in eighteen Latin American countries. Also a set of recommendations, policy proposals and projects is outlined.

Definitive analyses of transboundary water management in Latin America are conspicuous by their absence. The situation is a little better for rivers compared to groundwater resources. Transboundary water management in Latin America has been evolving in a somewhat different manner compared to other continents. The book includes eight authoritative case studies of Latin American transboundary rivers and aquifers, as well as a thinkpiece on the complexities of managing aquifers based on global experiences. The case studies are of different scales, ranging from the mighty Amazon to small Silala. The overall focus of the book is on ways in which such difficult and complex rivers and aquifers that are shared by two or more countries can be managed efficiently and equitably, and on the lessons, both positive and negative, that other regions can learn from the Latin American experience. This book was published as a special issue of the International Journal of Water Resources Development.