The Stream, October 1: Tensions Flare Over U.S. Urban Water Availability

In Kansas, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers drained billions of gallons of water from three reservoirs to support Missouri River barge traffic, which has suffered after this summer’s drought. But Kansas-area residents and businesses, the Kansas City Star reported, have complained bitterly about the decision to support a dwindling barge industry at the expense of other businesses.

Read an analysis from Circle of Blue about how well Kansas’ water laws are holding up to this summer’s severe test.

Unionized workers from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department went on strike Sunday morning to protest contractors replacing union jobs, a pay cut and health care coverage and pension reductions. The 950 union employees work in fresh water and waste water plants, the Detroit Free Press reported, and fix broken water mains and sewer lines.

Disputed Water in India

Protests erupted as the Indian state of Karnataka released water to Tamil Nadu in a government-ordered attempt to mitigate damage from a severe drought in the area. Heightened security protected the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, the Khaleej Times reported, as farmers and activists threatened violence if water was released.

Global Fisheries

Efficient management of unregulated fisheries could boost fish abundance by 56 percent worldwide. The new study published in the journal Science, Yale Environment 360 reported, found that a steady production decline in the world’s 10,000 fish stocks could be reduced in a number of years, not decades.

Extraterrestrial Water

NASA’s Curiosity rover found evidence that water flowed billions of years ago on Mars. Rounded pebbles found in a slab indicate that the water was between ankle and hip deep, The New York Times reported.

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.