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Water issues around the world.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has launched the boating season on the Vaal River following their victory over water hyacinth. The post Vaal River free of water lettuce and water hyacinth appeared first on SA People.

Past Presentation | The story of a community’s successful fight to protect their water from the oil and natural gas industry. In 2013, Texas-based SWN Resources arrived in New Brunswick, Canada, a region known for forestry, farming, and fishing, both commercial and small-scale subsistence operations that the rural community depend on. A multicultural group of unlikely warriors united and set up road blockades to prevent oil exploration. After months of resistance, their efforts not only halted drilling, they elected a new government and won an indefinite moratorium on fracking.

Around the world, lands with water and food resources are being snatched up by powerful interests. The Grab director Gabriela Cowperthwaite discusses her documentary that is both a geopolitical thriller and a call to action. The post In Deep Water appeared first on .

Past Presentation | If there is water, there is life. What are we doing to create a more sustainable future for our water? What are we doing to innovate solutions to the world’ s water problems? The answer lies in technology, people, and education. Water We Doing? address exactly how we can use science, engineering and innovation to tackle a global water crisis.If we are going to find away to help prevent that fact that every twenty seconds a child dies from lack of access to fresh drinking water, if we want to preserve this paramount resource, then we must act. Together we can not only create a new wave of stunning, innovative technologies - but we can inspire an entire new generation of scientists and engineers to champion this cause.

Past Presentation | Co-executive producer, Jill Heinerth, who hails from Alachua County, has dived deeper into caves than any woman in history. Her accolades include being named a "Living Legend" by Sport Diver Magazine and being in the inaugural class of the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Imaginative, entertaining, and enlightening, We Are Water illustrates the fragile relationship between our planet's endangered freshwater resources and the ever increasing needs of more and more people: For the first time in history, fresh water has become a finite resource. Without big changes in water policy and use, wars of the future may be fought, not over oil, but water. This movie will show us how we can help Jill Heinerth to keep that from happening.

Past Presentation | It's a conflict once unthinkable in the deep green South. Three states are locked in battle over the diminishing fresh water that saw Atlanta go from a small town to the largest growing city in the US. In this stunningly-shot, award-winning documentary film, brothers Michael and David Hanson return to the source of their childhood river and paddle it to the Gulf of Mexico to take you deep into the Water Wars.

Past Presentation | Owsia (Darkened Water) tells the story of the aqueduct of Iranian city Yazd that has supplied water for hundreds of years. Now, the 2500 year old structure rots due to bureaucracy and corruption. Wastewater pollution is poisoning the pure and clean water that ran through the aqueduct during 84 kms of current.

Past Presentation | A compelling documentary about the collision of climate change, the desperate search for firewood, dirty water, and the burdens placed on women and girls. The film has provoked environmental and green film audiences in Durban, South Africa at the COP-17 meetings, to the Planet in Focus Film Festival in Toronto, where it won "Best International Short." It has also been selected to screen at the Colorado Environmental Film Festival and is being considered to become part of the program at Rio+20

Now Playing | In the south of Madagascar, the village of Belemboké has no running water, no taps and no school. To access liveable amounts of water, 3 kids have to travel excruciating distances and make their way underground to the bowels of the Earth... everyday.

Wildfires don’t just destroy forest—they can increase sediment in rivers and reservoirs, spark algae blooms, and pollute watercourses with dangerous chemicals, leaving water providers to grapple with long-term consequences.

Past Presentation | It's well-known that water is a collective good and a free inexhaustible resource...False! La goutte de trop follows the journey of a drop of water through the whole Montreal water system. Overconsumption, waste, inadequate filtration process. Their still some hope as citizens take on the challenge of reducing their consumption.

Families using the Navy's water system report new contamination, with lab results indicating the presence of PFAS chemicals.Catherine Cruz reports for Hawaii Public Radio.In short:Environmental groups held a news conference to discuss the PFAS contamination in water samples from Hickam, a military base.Red Hill Community Representation Initiative's Marti Townsend highlighted the dangers of overlapping water and fuel lines, leading to a toxic mix of chemicals.University of Hawaiʻi researchers found that fuel mixed with chlorine in water can create harmful substances, posing health risks such as cancer and liver damage.Key quote:"These two samples came from Hickam because these are military dependents who are living on base, and their water lines overlap with fuel lines. And they're basically living in a horrible toxic soup between the jet fuel that was released and mixed with chlorine to make toxic chemicals, and the PFAS, all of which you know affect your immune system."— Marti Townsend, chair of the Red Hill Community Representation InitiativeWhy this matters:Contaminated water poses serious health risks, particularly for immune system function, and this incident is another example of ongoing health issues with military base infrastructure. Read more: Pioneering study links testicular cancer among military personnel to ‘forever chemicals.’

Past Presentation | Water is the essence of all life. It draws the Earth and the history of mankind, but it can turn into danger and even poison. The rivers of Bolivia, veins of the heart of South America, are turning black, red and even disappearing.

Now Playing | This film tells the story of the victims of the flood of 2019 in Iran, which happened in the three provinces of North, Central and South of the country and left a lot of damages. The main narrators are three women who reveal the causes of this incident and mismanagements and tell the story of the people who were left to fend for themselves during the flood and after.

A global survey found harmful levels even in water samples taken far any obvious source of contamination.

3M agrees to pay billions to U.S. water systems for PFAS contamination, marking a significant move toward addressing environmental concerns. Jim Salter reports for The Associated Press.In short:The settlement, approved by a U.S. District Court, requires 3M to compensate public water systems up to $12.5 billion by 2036 for PFAS contamination.PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are linked to several health risks and have been found in drinking water nationwide.The deal is part of broader efforts to eliminate PFAS from products and manufacturing processes, with 3M aiming to cease all PFAS production by 2025.Key quote:“That’s great news for American citizens who drink from that water. It’ll help rid our public drinking water systems of PFAS, and that’s the most important thing about the settlement.”— Scott Summy, one of the lead attorneys for those suing 3M and other manufacturersWhy this matters:Each successful lawsuit sets a precedent that can influence the outcomes of future cases, potentially leading to more companies being held accountable for PFAS contamination. This legal pressure can serve as a catalyst for broader environmental protection efforts, encouraging the development of more sustainable industrial practices.Studies conducted up to four decades ago found health effects, including on the immune system, from PFAS chemicals, but those studies were hidden by production companies, like 3M Co.

In a move that diverges from the European Union's latest environmental protections, England opts not to implement stricter regulations on water pollution from pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.Helena Horton and Sandra Laville report for The Guardian.In short:The EU has updated its water treatment rules to include "polluter pays" principles, requiring industries to cover costs for chemical pollution cleanup.This update aims to significantly reduce micropollutants and nutrients in waterways, a measure England is not adopting.Northern Ireland and Scotland are moving towards adopting these or similar regulations, signaling a potential policy divergence within the UK.Key quote:"The UK must urgently mirror EU measures to make polluters pay to remedy the problems they cause, as well as to ban the use of harmful chemicals at source, before they harm our health and pollute our environment."— Chloe Alexander, senior campaigner at the CHEM TrustWhy this matters:Ingredients in medications and personal care products, often referred to as emerging contaminants, are increasingly detected in water bodies around the globe. These substances enter aquatic ecosystems through various pathways, including the discharge of treated and untreated sewage, runoff from agricultural lands and improper disposal of unused medications.A little bit of an anti-depressant makes wild guppies less active, camp out more under plants and freeze up for longer after something scares them, according to a 2017 study.

Through a blend of science and storytelling, new research delves into the future of water management amidst changing environmental dynamics. Human activity is changing the...

The U.S.’s largest-ever outbreak of waterborne illness—cryptosporidiosis—hit Milwaukee 30 years ago. Why are many other water systems still vulnerable to the same parasite today?

Drinking water contamination is a chronic, insidious threat in California’s rural communities. Some have been waiting for clean water for years.

The past 10 years revealed how government failures at every level could effectively kill a city, turning it into a "ghost town."

I thought why don’t we give it a try?' said student Swapnil Shrivastav, after inspiration struck.

Egyptian pyramids are marvelous constructions. But how could the ancient Egyptians transport the tons-heavy blocks there? Now, a new explanation. The post Egyptian pyramids new finding: Just add water first appeared on EarthSky.

New Mexico’s unprotected waters demonstrate how pollution, drought, and the climate crisis converge to harm communities.

The production, promotion, and consumption of sugary beverages have lasting health and environmental consequences. It's time we add them to the climate change conversation.

" . . . While PFAS can be filtered out of water, these "forever chemicals" are hard to destroy"

Activists urge California wildlife officials to crack down on Arrowhead bottled water operations in the San Bernardino Mountains, citing harm to wildlife.

California's wet winter exposed enduring conflicts between fish and farms.

While a wildfire might directly impact a few hundred residents, its secondary impacts to the clean water supply could affect thousands.

Thames Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water face fines for repeated sewage leaks.

But authorities say households in some areas need to continue safety measures amid waterborne parasitic diseaseAnger in Devon as more cases of waterborne disease expectedThousands of households in the Brixham area of Devon can now safely use and drink their tap water without having to boil it first, South West Water (SWW) has said.The water company said about 14,500 households in the Alston supply area can now use their tap water safely, although about 2,500 properties in Hillhead, upper parts of Brixham and Kingswear should continue to boil their supply before drinking it. Continue reading...

We Own It says 31% of water bills went on shareholder payouts and company debts in last financial year, while the same percentage of 2024 remainsTuesday is the day water bills will start servicing debt and paying shareholders rather than fixing leaks and ending the sewage scandal, campaigners have said, dubbing it “cost of water privatisation day”.The public services campaign group We Own It has shared analysis from the University of Greenwich that reveals roughly 31% of money collected from water bills goes towards shareholders and paying off debts. Last financial year, an average of 11% of revenue was spent on dividends and 20% went towards servicing debts, while as of 10 September 31% of 2024 remains. Continue reading...

A new EPA rule will limit PFASs, or “forever chemicals,” in your drinking water for the first time. Here’s what that means for you

State water regulators voted unanimously Tuesday to place an agricultural hub in central California under "probation" due to excessive groundwater pumping that has dried up the region. Citing multiple deficiencies in the Tulare Lake basin's groundwater sustainability plans, the State Water Resources Control Board made the decision to toughen usage restrictions and reporting requirements in...

Greenstone Resource Partners LLC sold water rights from Cibola, Arizona, to the Queen Creek suburb, sparking local fears and broader implications for water scarcity management.Maanvi Singh reports for The Guardian.In short:Greenstone purchased nearly 500 acres in Cibola and later sold the water rights for a significant profit, redirecting water to Queen Creek, 200 miles away.The transaction, conducted without a thorough environmental review, is now under legal scrutiny, with fears it sets a precedent for future large-scale water transfers.Local residents and officials are alarmed, fearing this could lead to more agricultural land being sacrificed for urban water supplies.Key quote:"Here we are in the middle of a drought and trying to preserve the Colorado River, and we’re allowing water to be transferred off of the river."— Regina Cobb, former state representativeWhy this matters:In regions where water scarcity is already a pressing issue, the commodification of water rights by private entities like Greenstone Resource Partners can worsen existing challenges. As these companies amass water rights, they gain significant control over access to water, potentially leading to price hikes and limited availability for local residents, farmers, and small businesses.

As cancer rates rise globally, the increasing use of cancer drugs poses significant environmental hazards, particularly for aquatic ecosystems and potentially drinking water.Valérie S. Langlois and Diana Castañeda-Cortés write for The Conversation.In short:Cytostatic drugs, used in cancer treatment, are not fully eliminated by wastewater systems, contaminating aquatic ecosystems.These contaminants harm fish, particularly affecting swim bladder function and thyroid hormone regulation, crucial for fish survival.There is a lack of comprehensive data to inform regulators, highlighting the need for further research and improved wastewater treatment.Key quote: "It is not beyond the realm of possibility to imagine a future feedback loop where the increased use of cancer-treating cytostatics themselves leads to increasing rates of cancer." — Valérie S. Langlois and Diana Castañeda-Cortés, environmental researchersWhy this matters: The contamination of water bodies with cancer drugs could disrupt entire ecosystems and poses a potential risk to human health, especially children, if these drugs enter the drinking water supply. Read more: Hundreds of chemicals identified as potential risk factors for breast cancer.

New research suggests a link between prenatal fluoride levels and behavioral issues in children. Experts are divided on the study’s significance.

Floodwater with sewage or other harmful contaminants in it can lead to infectious diseases, according to an epidemiologist.

Federal regulators are requiring S&W Atlas Metal & Iron, one of Los Angeles' oldest metal recyclers, to upgrade its stormwater treatment system.

The Democratic trifecta could push the Great Lakes State into a leading position on environmental policies, observers say.

Some places in San Pedro Bay have fecal bacteria and copper in amounts that surpass federal limits.

Paul Powlesland, the co-founder of Lawyers for Nature, says he considers the River Roding to be sacredWhen jurors are called to court, they are required to swear on a holy book or make a secular promise to tell the truth.So court officials were perplexed when the environmental activist and barrister Paul Powlesland was called for jury service and produced a vial of river water and asked to swear on the River Roding. Continue reading...

Membranes based on natural silk and cellulose can remove many contaminants, including “forever chemicals” and heavy metals.

A recent analysis reveals a 60% increase in hospital admissions for waterborne diseases in England since 2010, raising concerns about water safety and public health. Helena Horton reports for The Guardian.In short:Hospital admissions for waterborne diseases, including dysentery and Weil’s disease, have significantly increased from 2,085 cases in 2010 to 3,286 in 2022.The surge in diseases correlates with a rise in raw sewage discharges into rivers and seas, exceeding 3.6 million hours last year.Labour’s shadow environment secretary criticizes government oversight, proposing stringent measures for water companies to address the pollution.Key quote: “It is sickening that this Conservative government has turned a blind eye to illegal sewage dumping that has put thousands of people in hospital.” — Steve Reed, Labour’s shadow environment secretaryWhy this matters: Waterborne diseases result from pathogens in contaminated water. These illnesses can lead to a range of health problems, from minor physical discomfort to serious conditions such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. The transmission of these diseases is closely linked to environmental conditions and human activities that affect water quality, including pollution, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient water treatment.Nurses know that clean air and water are foundational to good health. And on clean water, the solutions we need are—quite literally—upstream.

A filter made from brewery waste yeast encapsulated in hydrogels can quickly absorb lead from contaminated water. Beer breweries generate and discard thousands of tons...

Lunar Trailblazer, a compact satellite developed by NASA and managed by Lockheed Martin and Caltech, has completed rigorous environmental tests and is undergoing final software trials. This preparation aims to ensure the satellite can withstand the extreme conditions of space and successfully execute its mission to map water resources on the Moon. The spacecraft is [...]

The city has famously delicious drinking water. Forced repairs to the Delaware Aqueduct may lessen its quality.

Texas regulators are issuing permits to discharge large volumes of treated “produced water” into some waterways. Questions remain about the toxic pollutants found in the wastewater.

A new study led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney suggests that the future environmental impact of PFAS may be underestimated. Per-and...

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.

Two House Democrats press Mississippi on the use of water infrastructure funds. Meanwhile, floods’ effect on food insecurity is... complicated, and hurricanes are poised to get wetter and faster. This is Overnight Energy & Environment, your source for the latest news focused on energy, the environment and beyond. For The Hill, we’re Rachel Frazin and...

Past Presentation | An exploration of Nestle’s world dominance in the bottled water business, and its exploitations of groundwater and water rights. Swiss journalist Res Gehringer investigates this money making phenomena and reveals the schemes and strategies of the bottled water world.

Damage to sewage systems and pipes means widespread boil water notices and conservation orders could last weeksHurricane Helene left a path of devastation behind, with storm-ravaged areas struggling to access safe water for days because flooding damaged sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and pipes that deliver drinking water to residents in the affected areas.Boiling water advisories and water conservation orders are in place in counties in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Continue reading...

Campaigners suspect block on new applications for at least two years was imposed to limit burden on water firmsThe government has suspended all applications for bathing water status in waterways, delaying the cleanup of rivers and coastal waters for at least two years.River campaigners fear the block on new applications to create bathing water areas, which are regularly tested for water quality, has been introduced to stop water companies facing huge resource implications to tackle poor water quality in new bathing areas. Continue reading...

Many of the solutions are costly, putting them out of reach for small towns. But the region's most populous cities are getting innovative.

The penalties reflect the failings of the Environment Agency and Ofwat as much as the water companiesBehind the record fines announced by Ofwat for the routine dumping of sewage into rivers and seas by three water companies, there is a voiceless victim, one that does not sit in boardrooms, or get a chance to count dividends. It is our rivers and coastal waters, subjected to years of continuous pollution under the noses of the regulators, which are suffering.In all likelihood the £168m penalties for the already struggling Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water will be followed by fines for the remaining eight water and sewerage companies, all of whom Ofwat is investigating over failure to treat sewage according to the law. Continue reading...

Many of the solutions are costly, putting them out of reach for small towns. But the region's most populous cities are getting innovative.

Firms underreported true scale of sewage pollution for 10 years, which allowed them to set higher bills, tribunal toldSix water companies overcharged customers between £800m and £1.5bn by “significantly or systematically” underreporting the true scale of their sewage pollution of rivers and waterways, a tribunal heard on Monday.In the first environmental competition class action against water companies in England, lawyers argued that the privatised firms had abused their monopoly position to mislead regulators over the amount of sewage they were discharging from their assets over the past 10 years. Continue reading...

Nearly half of U.S. prisons may be exposed to harmful "forever chemicals" in their water supply, raising concerns over health inequities and human rights within the justice system.Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.In short:A study found that 47% of prison facilities are potentially affected by PFAS pollution, impacting roughly 990,000 people, including juveniles.Researchers stress the vulnerability of incarcerated people to PFAS due to limited exposure mitigation options.The findings underscore environmental justice issues, noting the disproportionate representation of people from marginalized communities within the prison population.Key quote:"If you think of the incarcerated population as a city spread out over this vast archipelago of carceral facilities, it would be the fifth largest city in the country."— Nicholas Shapiro, senior author and medical anthropologist at the University of California, Los AngelesWhy this matters:Research indicates that a significant proportion of America's carceral facilities are located in areas likely contaminated with PFAS, exacerbating health risks for incarcerated populations, which are already in worse health overall compared to the general population. But PFAS is also a broad threat to U.S. drinking water: Last year, the EPA released proposed drinking water standards for six “forever chemicals.” The announcement came after years of pleas from exposed communities, scientists and health and environmental activists.