The Stream, November 1: Water Conservation Essential in Sandy’s Wake

Millions of people across New York City, its northern suburbs, Long Island and New Jersey will have to preserve water and boil tap water, New York Daily News reported. Bacteria, waste and other pollutants likely seeped into aquifers, pipes and wells during the storm.

Read tips from CNN on dealing with water polluted by Hurricane Sandy.

An alert ended at a nuclear power plant in New Jersey as high waters from Hurricane Sandy receded. Water levels at Oyster Creek, the oldest operating reactor in the U.S., rose more than 6.5 feet, Reuters reported, but never caused any danger to public health or safety.

Water-Energy Nexus

In the U.S., 12.6 percent of total energy consumption is devoted to water delivery. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin tracked water delivery, according to Consumer Energy Report, from the source, to pumping, to reservoirs, to treatment, then distribution.

Great Lakes Lake Levels

This fall, water levels in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron could fall to their lowest points in 50 years. While many factors affect water levels, the Sturgis Journal reported, warmer temperatures have boosted evaporation and slowed snowfalls.

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.