A new book, The Blue Death, by Seattle epidemiologist Dr. Robert Morris, may not be easy reading for some water industry professionals: It chronicles waterborne epidemics, millions of miles of leaking water mains, evolving microorganisms, and bioterrorism threats that are all related to drinking water, according to the Web site of HarperCollins, the book’s publisher.

The book, which retails for $24.95, also tries to dispel the concepts behind supposed fail-safe water systems.

Morris writes about the possible harmful effects of chlorine and the political and economic forces that have opposed drinking water research, according to HarperCollins.

Some book reviewers have already weighed in. 

Book reviewer Abe Streep of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “ … while casual readers don’t generally pick up public health books expecting to stay up late turning pages, Morris manages a neat trick — he provides an in-depth medical history that at times reads like a mystery.”

A Publisher’s Weekly review said, “In this engrossing and disquieting book, the author, who specializes in drinking water epidemiology, raises the alarm about hidden perils in our water.”

It also said that Morris “argues persuasively that unless we do more to protect the water we drink, we court disaster.”

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