In Fresh Water, E. C. Pielou describes the natural history of this vital ingredient of the natural world. It is seldom thought of as having a "natural history" of its own, but as she shows, water is as interesting and as worthy of study as the plants and animals that naturalists customarily limit themselves to.

With a true naturalist's curiosity, Pielou explores the remarkable ways of water. Where does it come from, and where does it go? How does it move over and under the earth, and into the atmosphere? How does it affect the land? As the world's supply of clean, fresh water continues to dwindle, it becomes increasingly important that we understand the close connection between water and life. Chris Pielou considers all these topics, providing a keen and compelling look at the science and the wonder of fresh water.