Since the reorganisation of the UK water industry in 1974, the planning of water resources has been left, largely, with the water companies. This is due to the regulatory regime which has led to a bottom-up, parochial approach. It is only relatively recently that attempts have been made to address the problem with attempts to remove barriers and accelerate cross-boundary strategic options. However, progress remains hampered by the lack of political leadership in this crucially important area whilst the South East of England is running out of water. The answer to the problem is more about politics than engineering and a clear understanding of the basics is an essential starting point.This short book outlines an alternative top-down approach which would ensure reliable water resources for at least fifty years if not a hundred.