Large water projects, such as the hydroelectric dams at Aswan and Glen Canyon, Hidrovia in South America and the irrigation systems of the Sudan Gezira, cause dramatic changes in regional ecology. These changes can include wrenching disruptions to communities, fatal epidemics of water-associated malaria and bilharzia. The purpose of this book is to guide planners and engineers in improving future water projects. The past century of global experience on water projects is presented as the basis for creating new approaches. First-hand analyses, including 35 case studies from 25 countries, portray the influence of politicians, biologists, engineers, computer models and physicians on the spectacular successes and failures of the builders of canals and dams. By drawing on this experience, the author outlines methods for assessing, predicting and preventing major water-associated diseases around large dams, canals and irrigation systems. A major proposal is developed for merging the efforts of the World Bank and the World Health Organisation, in order to realise potential opportunities in improving health, while also successfully developing water resources at a necessary level