This book provides a comprehensive and policy-focused examination of water management in the context of growing global pressures on freshwater resources. It explores how climatic variability, population growth, and changing land use patterns affect water availability, quality, and distribution across regions. The book examines scientific and institutional approaches to managing surface and groundwater systems, emphasising integrated and basin-scale perspectives that support sustainable use.

The discussion addresses governance, legal frameworks, and policy reform as central components of effective water management. Attention is given to regional experiences that illustrate how management strategies respond to competing demands, environmental protection, and social equity. The book also considers the challenges of transboundary water systems and the role of international norms in shaping cooperation and conflict resolution. By integrating hydrological science with policy analysis, the book offers a balanced understanding of how evidence-based decision-making supports resilient water systems. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research, regulatory clarity, and adaptive governance in addressing water scarcity and quality concerns. This work is intended for students, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking an internationally relevant and academically grounded perspective on water management and policy in a rapidly changing world.