The Stream, May 29: Ethiopia Begins Nile Water Diversion

Africa
Ethiopia is proceeding with construction of the controversial Grand Renaissance Dam, now 21 percent complete, in order to boost its hydropower production, Reuters reported. On Tuesday, the country began diverting part of the Nile to facilitate further construction.

Fighting has damaged infrastructure and created a severe water shortage in Mali’s city of Gao, Voice of America reported. Available drinking water has recently declined by 60 percent in the city, according to a joint United Nations mission.

Hydraulic Fracturing Ban
A county in New Mexico has banned hydraulic fracturing based on concern about water pollution, making it the first county in the United States to ban the practice, according to the Los Angeles Times. Cities and towns across the country have already moved to ban fracking.

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