Drinking Water Features

31. Arsenic Contamination Of Food And Water Is A Global Public Health Concern — Researchers Are Studying How It Causes Cancer 6/9/2023

    Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust. Exposure to arsenic, often through contaminated food and water, is associated with various negative health effects. We study it can lead to cancer through the formation of cancer stem cells.

32. Colorado River States Bought Time With A 3-Year Water Conservation Deal — Now They Need To Think Bigger 6/2/2023

    Arizona, California, and Nevada have narrowly averted a regional water crisis by agreeing to reduce their use of Colorado River water over the next three years. This deal represents a temporary solution to a long-term crisis. Nonetheless, as a close observer of western water policy, I see it as an important win for the region.

33. Sackett v. EPA: A Collection Of Commentary 5/31/2023
    The Supreme Court recently passed down its latest verdict regarding what constitutes "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) and therefore what waterbodies the U.S. EPA has — or, more to the point, does not have — the authority to regulate. Here, I've collected various sets of commentary and reaction about Sackett v. EPA and the impact of the court's decision.
34. Are Biden's COP27 Goals Enough To Curb The Water-Food-Energy Nexus? 5/23/2023

    At the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November 2022, world leaders gathered in Egypt to announce climate action initiatives and the steps each one planned to take to reduce the impacts of climate change in their respective countries. Among the leaders in attendance was U.S. President Biden, who outlined his goals and desires to double down on climate commitments relating to the water, food, energy nexus.

35. Parasitic Infections Hit The Health Of Low-Income Black Communities Where States Have Neglected Sewage Systems 5/19/2023

    Intestinal infections take a heavy toll on impoverished Black communities that have out-of-date sewage systems. These infections often spread through contaminated soil and water and are among the most common diseases worldwide. Although many Americans believe these diseases now exist only in lower-income countries, research that my colleague and I have conducted challenges this assumption.

36. The Dangers Of Lead Poisoning In Schools — And How We Can Fix The Nationwide Problem 5/10/2023
    Known as a highly toxic chemical that is damaging to growth and learning development, lead in tap water is a matter raising nationwide concern. While some states have acted to improve this issue, the health threat of lead in school drinking fountains is now leading citizens to worry about the dangers of child consumption, the country's aging water systems, and the protection of our future generation.
37. How Can We Prevent Sewage Pollution In The UK From Worsening? 5/10/2023

    In sewers, human waste mingles with personal hygiene products, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants, creating highly toxic wastewater that pours pollutants and 6.2 million tons of nitrogen into coastal water every year. How can we prevent sewage pollution? The answer starts with tackling the problem in the UK.

38. PFAS Payback: How Utilities Can Hold Polluters Accountable 5/4/2023
    As the federal government ramps up the regulatory process for enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water, estimated to cost billions annually, an environmental attorney details how utilities can hold polluters — instead of ratepayers — financially responsible.
39. When Almost Perfect Isn’t Good Enough 5/4/2023

    Despite statistically astounding performance, water and wastewater utilities have almost no room for error due to the nature of public perception and the importance of their work.

40. How To Evaluate Predictive Models For Lead Service Line Inventory And Replacement 5/4/2023
    Get an accurate service line material prediction for Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) compliance by avoiding modeling pitfalls.