Written for the general public, this book illustrates the causes, status, problem areas, and prediction and control of water pollution. Water pollution is one of the most pressing issues of our time and the author communicates the complexities of this problem to the reader in common language. The purpose of the introductory chapter is to show what water pollution is and how it affects the lives of all of us; how proper conservation of a vital natural resource - water - is necessary for a better, safer, and cleaner world. Delineated also are the historical aspects and legal bases for federal water pollution control together with the classification of water pollutants. Following this, the impact of water pollution on recreation and aesthetics, public water supplies, fish and wildlife, agriculture, and industry is considered. It is concluded that water which satisfies quality requirements in this order of successive priorities will meet most demands which may be placed on it. Statistical tables, figures, and technical information make the book useful also as a resource for reference work. (BL)