The Stream, November 16: California Considers Keeping Water Restrictions After Drought

The Global Rundown

California may keep rules restricting water use in place even after drought conditions subside. South Africa’s largest water provider is facing daily deficits between water demand and its water storage capabilities. Scientists in Brazil say the tailings dam failure at an iron ore mine could affect rivers and streams in the region for years, while a town downstream of the mine accident was forced to dump emergency drinking water supplies because they contained kerosene. Northwestern Pakistan is struggling with depleted groundwater reserves and water contamination. A photographer is documenting the aftermath of floods around the world.

“Life is suddenly turned upside down and normality is suspended. I often follow my subjects as they return home through deep waters, and work with them to create an intimate image there. Though their poses may be conventional, their environment is disconcertingly altered.”–Gideon Mendel, a photographer, on his project to document people affected by severe floods around the world. (Guardian)

By The Numbers

3 billion liters Daily gap between water demand and the storage capability of Rand Water Services, South Africa’s biggest water provider. Bloomberg

240,000 liters Amount of drinking water sent to Governador Valadares, a city in Brazil affected by the failure of two dams at an iron ore mine, that needed to be dumped because the water contained kerosene. EFE

Science, Studies, And Reports

Scientists warned that mud released by the failure of two tailings dams at an iron mine in Brazil could alter the physical course of streams and their water quality for years. They also raised concerns about the potential health effects for communities downstream of the accident, despite assurances from the mine’s owners that the mud was not toxic. Reuters

On The Radar

California may keep water conservation rules in effect even after its severe drought is over. The rules, put in place earlier this year, include restrictions on lawn watering and car washing. San Jose Mercury News

Communities in northwestern Pakistan say groundwater is increasingly hard to find, while water supplies are sometimes contaminated with sewage during distribution. Scarce, poor-quality water is a growing health risk in the region, according to local doctors. Inter Press Service

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