Hidden Nature by David Bellamy

Water is the commonest substance on the face of the Earth, yet we really know very little about this essential source of life. We do know
that without it there would be no life indeed there would be little in the way of chemical reaction, for water is the universal catalyst. Water is also our potential nemesis, for today it is widely agreed that if there is another world war, it will be waged over this precious resource. Water in a state fit enough for human consumption or for succoring the life cycle of the brown trout is now in short supply and its availability is diminishing every day.