The paradox between economic prosperity and destruction of the water courses, in each region, is bound to get worse, with the industrial and urban development, what makes an obvious thing the urgent need of reviewing attitudes and methods. Strategies and means of action are suggested as regards the efficient and correct management of the hydric resources, with a view at guaranteeing their conservation and rational utilization, 50 important for everybody.Agravamento do paradoxo entre prosperidade econômica e destruição dos cursos de água. Necessidade urgente de rever atitudes e métodos. Estratégias e instrumentos de ação para a gestão eficaz e eficiente dos recursos hídricos.