The Stream, January 28: Drinking Water from the Depths

U.S. environmental regulators often consider water in mile-deep aquifers too deep for regular use, so they often grant permits allowing energy and mining companies to inject pollutants directly into the aquifers. Mexico City now plans to extract drinking water from a mile-deep aquifer of its own, ProPublica reported, challenging the premise of U.S. regulators’ pollution-permitting policy.

In Colorado, a project is moving ahead to pump previously untapped aquifers that will supply drinking water to 100,000 people along the state’s Front Range. Authorities, The Denver Post reported, are already cautioning that the aquifer pumping is only a partial solution to the area’s water problems.

Focus on Infrastructure in California
A major water transfer project in California is a focus for Gov. Jerry Brown in securing his legacy in the state. Critics have pushed back against the cost of the project, The New York Times reported, which would install two tunnels to channel water from Northern California to more populated southern areas.

Tracking the Bottled-Water Ban
Most stores in Concord, N.H., have stopped selling bottled water since the city’s ban went into effect on Jan. 1. Any businesses found selling bottles, The Boston Globe reported, are warned, then fined US$25 and US$50 for subsequent violations.

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