As a scientist/nonscientist writing team, Dr. William M. Alley and Rosemarie Alley communicate complex environmental science issues to a broad public. Dr. Alley provides the scientific expertise and Rosemarie’s job is to turn it into an engaging narrative. They have written five books together, as well as articles and Op/Ed pieces, and have given talks to a wide range of audiences. Their experiences as an unconventional team have given them unique insights in how to successfully hook the public’s interest with environmental science issues.
Coming Fall 2026
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BANKING ON GROUNDWATER: The quest to replenish the world's aquifers

“This engaging collection of well-told stories of adaption to climate and environmental challenges will appeal to water managers, environmentalists, and educators. Managed aquifer recharge cases are brought to life within their historical context to demonstrate successful social and technical innovation. Accounts are balanced and include failures and problems that are essential reading for MAR developers and regulators.”— Peter Dillon, former cochair of the International Association of Hydrogeologists Commission on Managing Aquifer Recharge
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“As groundwater depletion threatens water access, managed aquifer recharge offers a promising way to reverse these declining trends. This engaging book provides a comprehensive tour of recharge projects across the US and around the globe, illustrating how they actively help to refill depleted aquifers and improve long-term water security.”— Scott Jasechko, University of California, Santa Barbara

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Too Hot to touch: The Problem of
​high-level nuclear waste

“With Congress considering plans to restart the search for a burial site . . . “Too Hot to Touch” lays out some critical questions for the jostling parties to think about.”
- Matthew Wald, The New York Times
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“I encourage anyone remotely interested in the topic to buy a copy...The authors have done a remarkable job of making the scientific information accessible to lay persons...This book would be ideal for using in a seminar class. Overall a fascinating read!” 
- Pierrette Tremblay, Elements

“The book is well-written, informative and substantive [with] many fun facts woven into the history. ... an excellent book and a nice technical review for anyone wanting to comprehend why the task of dealing with this trash has been so mired in obstacles.” 
- Robert Hayes, MIT, Physics World
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high and dry: meeting the challenges of the world's growing dependence on groundwater

“Imagine a book about groundwater that reads like a novel and is overflowing with interesting and essential knowledge about a much‑neglected topic. This is the book.”--Bruce Babbitt, former United States Secretary of the Interior

“The partnership of an eminent scientist and a science writer has produced vivid narratives spanning the globe about groundwater: a critical yet overused resource. They propose sensible reforms to curb over pumping and protect the environment. Their message deserves a wide audience.”--Robert Glennon, University of Arizona and author of Unquenchable: America’s Water Crisis and What To Do About It

“There is little information available for general consumption that explains why groundwater is important, how it works and what can be done to solve current problems. This book provides that information in an extremely readable way.”--Mark Giordano, Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service


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