The Freshwater Imperative summarizes the two year effort of a working group of leading aquatic scientists to identify research opportunities and frontiers in freshwater sciences for this decade and beyond. The book is a consensus document that has been endorsed by all of the major professional organizations involved with freshwater issues.

This volume summarizes the two-year effort of a working group of leading aquatic scientists sponsored by NSF, EPA, NASA, TVA, and NOAA to identify research opportunities and frontiers in freshwater sciences for this decade and beyond. The research agenda outlined focuses on issues of water availability, aquatic ecosystem integrity, and human health and safety. It is a consensus document that has been endorsed by all of the major professional organizations involved with freshwater issues.