“The American landscape is dotted with hundreds of thousands of new wells and drilling rigs, as the country scrambles to tap into this century’s gold rush.” (source: New York Times). The article reveals, alarmingly, that EPA and state regulators are NOT doing the job of protecting the water resources that supply the nation’s drinking water. Clearly the pollution issues raised need to be examined before this country ruins its own precious water supply. The pollution problem needs to be solved before any further threat to this essential resource is created.
Tag: Environmental Associates
EPA Approves Water Contaminant Testing Methods
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved 12 new, alternative (and optional) testing methods for use in measuring the levels of contaminants in drinking water and determining compliance with national primary drinking water regulations. – EPonline.com
Rulings Restrict Clean Water Act, Foiling E.P.A.
Many of the nation’s largest water polluters are outside the E.P.A.’s reach because of disputes on jurisdiction. – NYTimes.com
America’s Dwindling Water Supply
Americans are the world’s biggest water consumers. By 9 a.m., after showering, using the bathroom, brushing our teeth and having a cup of coffee, each of us typically has used more than 30 gallons of water. – cbsnews.com
New Mexico Dairy Pollution Sparks ‘Manure War’ – NPR
The New Mexico Environment Department reports that two-thirds of the state’s 150 dairies are contaminating groundwater with excess nitrogen from cattle excrement. While no one wants to drive the milk cows out of the state, many want the dairies to clean up their act. – NPR
Climate Bill Includes Water System “Adaptation” Grants
Landmark climate change legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate includes significant water efficiency provisions. – news.tech-chronicle.com
NY Times – For Water Agencies, Conservation = Layoffs
Homeowners are doing such a good job at conserving water in some drought-stricken areas that water agencies have been forced to adjust to lost revenues and layoffs. – NYTimes.com
U.S. Water Use Declines, But Points to Troubling Trends, Says USGS Report
U.S. Geological Survey’s newest five-year report (2000-2005) reveals positive trends and potential problems for U.S. water use. – CircleOfBlue.org
Gov. Schwarzenegger creates a Green Cities California Web Resource
California just put up a web site devoted to the creation of green cities. The site provides a clearinghouse of information for the best green practices for sustainable public policy for water, urban design, energy use, waste reduction, environmental health, urban nature and transportation. Bravo!! gov.ca.gov
Find the new website here GreenCitiesCalifornia.org
Science Daily – Scientists Reveals Secrets Of Drought Resistance
Biologists have solved the structure of a critical molecule that helps plants survive during droughts. Understanding the inner workings of this molecule may help scientists design new ways to protect crops against prolonged dry periods, potentially improving crop yields worldwide, aiding biofuels production on marginal lands and mitigating drought’s human and economic costs. – sciencedaily.com