From the Editor

1. More Than 98% Of U.S. Southwest Now In Drought 5/19/2022

   Source water scarcity is growing throughout the U.S., presenting problems for water systems and consumers as it does. Now, virtually every part of the most severely impacted section of the country is feeling the strain.

2. How Ohio’s Farmers Are Fighting Nutrient Pollution 5/19/2022

   As we enter warmer months and ideal water conditions for surges in toxic algal blooms, the agricultural industry in one heavily impacted state may demonstrate fundamental solutions to the problem.

3. Federal Cybersecurity Agency Seeks $80M To Better Protect Water Systems 5/11/2022

   Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to protecting drinking water systems from cyberattack, a central federal body is seeking significant funding to help protect against the growing threat.

4. Biden’s Infrastructure Funding May Never Reach Drinking Water Systems That Need It Most 5/10/2022

   Though there’s little question that water systems of all sizes are in need of additional funding to upgrade infrastructure and continue to provide clean drinking water to ratepayers, some of those with the greatest needs may struggle to access federal funding recently set aside for them.

5. Calling On Utilities To Combat Legionella 5/5/2022

   The risk level linked to delivered drinking water from municipal utilities is very small, even if some high-profile examples of failure (see Flint, MI) have degraded public confidence to a degree. Our treatment professionals usually hit their targets, so the onus then shifts to the research and guidance that determines the safe level of various constituents through U.S. EPA protocols. But there is one contaminant that rulemaking hasn’t quite caught up to and which is downright deadly — Legionella pneumophila.

6. With Goal To Eliminate Combined Sewer Overflows By 2035, Milwaukee Is Creating A National Template 5/4/2022

   Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) — which see untreated wastewater flow into waterbodies as the result of flooding and inadequate infrastructure — are a growing problem in Milwaukee, as they are in much of the country.

7. Millions Of Californians Ordered To Cut Drinking Water Use 5/3/2022

   Following a series of regulatory changes designed to curb growing water scarcity, millions of consumers in California are now facing some of the strictest drinking water limits ever.

8. U.S. Interior To Make Unprecedented Change For Colorado River Water Supplies 4/27/2022

   As pervasive water scarcity in the American West continues to set records and force unprecedented changes, recent emergency action taken by the seven states that use Colorado River water is one of the starkest reminders yet of just how severe the problem has grown.

9. States May Miss Out On Federal Lead-Pipe-Removal Funds Due To Outdated Records 4/26/2022

   Even after the Biden administration acknowledged the growing need for infrastructure improvements to water systems across the country through a major funding commitment, many legislators and clean drinking water advocates fear that systems across the country will remain neglected.

10. After State Regulators Take Control Of One Baltimore Wastewater Plant, Problems Uncovered At Another 4/20/2022

    Just as authorities made a dramatic move to wrangle one wastewater treatment plant in a major U.S. city, it appears its neighboring facility is now under scrutiny as well.