The Stream, April 25: Australian Groundwater Levels Dangerously Low

Many communities in the Australian outback depend on the Great Artesian Basin, an aquifer deep underground, for regular water supplies. But, if supplies disappear too quickly, The World reported, these communities will be left without their only water source.

Perceived Injustice
Chileans demonstrated this week against what they called excessive water use by the mining industry, which receives priority water rights under Chile’s privatized water system. Environmental groups and indigenous organizations led the demonstrations, the Guardian reported, pushing to repeal the Augusto Pinochet government’s decision to allow the government to grant perpetual, free water-use rights to companies.

Legislation and Illustration
Environmental advocacy groups are concerned that the Water Resources Development Act, heading to the United States Senate for a vote soon, will push government agencies into approving damaging and wasteful projects. Barbara Boxer (D-California), the bill’s author, disagrees with the attacks, POLITICO reported, and says the new bill will speed reviews and expedite construction to save money and time, not change environmental law.

By 2100, sea levels could rise between 8 inches and several feet under different global-warming scenarios. A researcher and illustrator created detailed illustrations, The Washington Post reported, of major cities around the U.S. under different sea levels.

Perceived Injustice
Chileans demonstrated this week against what they called excessive water use by the mining industry, which receives priority water rights under Chile’s privatized water system. Environmental groups and indigenous organizations led the demonstrations, the Guardian reported, pushing to repeal the Augusto Pinochet government’s decision to allow the government to grant perpetual, free water-use rights to companies.

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.