Blue Revolution

Barnett (senior writer, Florida Trend Magazine; Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S.) contends in her latest book that the United States needs a national water ethic. She illustrates the need for a guiding principle by outlining best- and worst-case scenarios in national and international spheres. For best-case scenarios, we get a look at Singapore; Perth, Australia; and San Antonio. Water scarcity has forced these locales to overhaul completely the ways in which their inhabitants use water. Crisis has led to innovation and saved these communities from water shortages. For worst-case scenarios, we see extreme wastefulness in cities like Las Vegas and Atlanta. Barnett argues that the money we do pay for water does not represent its value. In fact, in times of scarcity, when consumers are urged to conserve, water companies lose revenue and are often forced to increase prices—negatively reinforcing the conservation measures water customers have employed. She concludes by outlining basic tenets that she believes should guide our water ethic. After taking in her wise words, readers are not likely to disagree.