The Stream, October 4: What’s Up With Keystone XL?

More Africans have access to mobile phones than to clean drinking water, according to a recent Nielsen survey. Why isn’t basic infrastructure keeping up with South Africa’s technological revolution, and are other African countries following in these footsteps?

Asia
The president of a major Chinese company warned that Myanmar’s decision last week to halt construction on the $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project “will lead to a series of legal issues” with China, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Sand mining in Cambodia’s Tatai River is decimating fish stocks, destroying riverbanks, polluting waters and killing a promising ecotourism industry, Associated Press reported.

North America
The New York Times editorial board argues against the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Times reviews the pros and cons of the proposed project.

Thousands of residents in California’s San Joaquin Valley fear that their tap water is contaminated with nitrate, according to The Sacramento Bee.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.