Book excerpt: Wastewater management in developing countries throughout the world is in a state of crisis. It is estimated that 2.6 billion people worldwide live without adequate sanitation. Resources are scarce, previous management systems have failed, and traditional techniques and solutions are not immediate enough, too expensive, or simply inefficient. This book investigates the complex political, economic, and cultural reasons that so many developing nations lack the ability to provide proper and effective wastewater treatment for their citizens. The authors draw upon their experiences in Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries to inspire innovation and improvement in wastewater treatment and management. They examine the failures of traditional planning, design, and implementation, and offer localized solutions that will yield effective sustainable management systems. These solutions include reuse of treated wastewater, energy conservation, and proper financial and organizational set up. Sustainable Wastewater Management in Developing Countries will urge practitioners, decision makers, and researchers to approach these systems in new ways that are practical, innovative, and?best of all?sustainable.