The Stream, July 16: Australia Coal Mine Prompts Public Concern Over Water

The Global Rundown

President Obama is expected to veto a U.S. House of Representatives bill that addresses the drought in the western United States . In Australia, a Chinese-run coal mine raises concerns about water quality, while a new study found contaminants in groundwater used for California’s drinking water. India is opening its doors to the private sector to help solve the country’s chronic water problems, as well as investing in wastewater plants to clean up the Ganges River. In Canada, the drought in British Columbia worsens.

“It fails to address critical elements of California’s complex water challenges and will, if enacted, impede an effective and timely response to the continuing drought while providing no additional water to hard hit communities.”–Statement from the Executive Office of the President on the Republican-backed House of Representatives bill designed to alleviate drought pressure in the West. The president is expected to veto the bill if he is presented with it. (The White House)

By The Numbers

3 Number of wastewater treatment plants being planned in the Indian city of Varanasi in order to keep sewage out of the Ganges River. The plants are part of India’s plan for cleaning wastewater in 118 municipalities on the banks of the Ganges, India’s holiest river. Bloomberg

20 million metric tons Amount of coal a new mine in Australia is expected to produce annually over the course of 30 years. Concerned about negative effects on water quality, residents of the nearby community are threatening legal action and civil disobedience in opposition to the mine. ABC

Science, Studies, And Reports

One-fifth of the raw groundwater used in California’s public drinking water system contains potentially toxic levels of contaminants, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study tested water in 11,000 public supply wells in California. Fresno Bee

The government of British Columbia released an updated map of drought severity in the province this week, upgrading two more regions to the most severe drought severity. Drought conditions also worsened in Seattle and across the Pacific Northwest. Province of British Columbia

On The Radar

India initiated its first Water Accelerator program and is now accepting proposals. The Water Accelerator program provides financial backing and government support for startups designed to tackle the country’s complicated water issues. India Water Portal