Part I. The Crisis. 1. Atlanta's prayer for water
2. Wealth and the culture of water consumption
Part II. Real and surreal solutions. 6. Business as usual
8. The ancient mariner's lament
10. Creative conservation
Part III. A new approach. 13. The enigma of the water closet
14. The diamond-water paradox
16. Privatization of water
17. Take the money and run
18. The future of farming
19. Environmental transfers
Conclusion : a blue print for reform
Epilogue : The Salton Sea.