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At first glance, the title of this work gives the appearance of providing a novel technological contribution to understanding of water systems. However, the reader soon discovers that this work is much more focused on the policy aspects of water systems. The authors’ thesis is that innovation of water systems, potable water provision and wastewater management is long overdue in the U.K. and other developed countries. The technology discussed, microscopic membrane filtration, is noted as relatively cost-effective and space-efficient. However, policy-related barriers make the implementation of this technology difficult. The authors state, “Our aim is mainly to investigate why the water utilities in the developed world, despite their extensive technological experience, have exhibited such limited ability – both technically and culturally – to address the many real fundamental water problems with correspondingly institutionally and technologically innovative approaches and solutions”...

DOI: 10.1007/s12130-007-9024-6

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