The Stream, July 31: Brazil Water Main Explosion Kills 1 and Injures 16

City Water
A ruptured water main in a residential neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro caused the death of a 3-year-old girl and injuries to 16 others, NBC News reported. The pipe exploded and flooded the neighborhood, destroying houses, but the cause is unknown.

South Africa plans to pump acid mine drainage from old gold mines that is threatening the water supply of Johannesburg , Bloomberg News reported. The toxic drainage is collecting under the city and could pollute drinking water or even flood the city if left in place.

Oil Sands
A photographic essay by Ian Willms, published by The New York Times, explores the effects of oil sand development on Canada’s First Nations communities. The industry is changing both the culture and the environment of these communities.

U.S. Agriculture
Instead of drought, farmers in the southern United States are dealing with too much rain this year, according to The New York Times. Harvests of watermelons, peaches and tomatoes are taking a hit from the glut of water.

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.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek