The Stream, March 1: China Plans Water Diversions To Clean Algae From Lakes

The Global Rundown

China plans to divert water from several rivers to lakes in Yunnan province in an effort to clean up massive algae blooms, while the U.S. Supreme Court denied to hear a challenge to a plan that limits nutrient pollution in Chesapeake Bay. Drought-hit California is expecting more rain in March after an El Nino winter that has so far been disappointing. Researchers say it is important to understand the links between climate factors and the spread of the Zika virus. Europe’s biggest floating solar farm will come online this month.

“Now that all of the legal challenges have been denied, we hope those who have opposed the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint will devote their time, expertise, and money to working with all of the clean water partners to help Save the Bay.” –William C. Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, on the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal Monday to hear a court case challenging a federal plan to limit nutrient pollution in Chesapeake Bay. The plan will remain in force. (The Baltimore Sun)

By The Numbers

23,000 solar panels Number that will come online this month in England’s Queen Elizabeth II reservoir, forming Europe’s largest floating solar farm. The electricity produced by the panels will power water treatment plants in London. Guardian

60 to 70 percent Amount of rainfall, above average levels, that forecasts predict for drought-hit California in the first half of March. Despite the global El Nino weather phenomenon, which usually brings above-average precipitation to California, the state has seen disappointing amounts of rainfall so far this winter. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Researchers say understanding the links between climate factors, such as rainfall, and public health threats like the Zika virus is important for stopping the spread of disease. The connection is key especially in places where residents are urged to collect rainwater, which can provide breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that carry Zika. Reuters

On The Radar

China plans to divert 672 million cubic meters of water each year from the Jinsha River into Dianchi Lake and two other polluted lakes. The diversion, which will join water diverted to the lakes from the Niulan River, is meant to flush out nutrients and other pollutants that are causing massive algae blooms in the lakes. The Third Pole

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