The Stream, October 9: Thirty Percent of Iran’s Water Infrastructure is in Need of Replacement
The Global Rundown
At least 30 percent of Iran’s aging water and sanitation infrastructure is in need of repair, according the country’s energy minister. Hurricane Nate kills nearly 30 people in Central America before making landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Agricultural over-pumping depletes the High Plains Aquifer beneath Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind launches a major initiative to improve water quality in rural India. A recent study finds that the Great Lakes of Huron and Michigan have better water clarity than Lake Superior due to a combination of climate change, phosphorous runoff, and invasive species.
“Now I never know, from one minute to the next, when I turn on a faucet or hydrant, whether there will be water or not. The aquifer is being depleted.” –Lois Scott, a resident of Cope, Colorado, in reference to the drying up of the High Plains Aquifer. Agricultural over-pumping has led to a severe groundwater depletion throughout Colorado’s Eastern Plains. At this time, there is no agreement in place to slow irrigation and try to save the aquifer. Denver Post
By The Numbers
30 percent Proportion of Iran’s potable water that is lost due to leakages in the country’s collapsing water infrastructure. A recent analysis of Iran’s water and wastewater networks revealed that at least 30 percent of the infrastructure requires repairs. Iran is in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions, and many cities are dealing with water shortages. Financial Tribune
5,000 Number of rural Indian villages that will benefit from the ‘Jivamritam’ water filtration system. The filtration system is a key part of an Rs 100 crore clean water initiative launched by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday. Ultimately, the project seeks to improve the water quality of 10 million rural Indians. Times of India
Science, Studies, And Reports
The clarity of Lakes Huron and Michigan has bypassed that of Lake Superior, a new analysis of satellite imagery revealed. Scientists at Michigan Tech Research Institute were reportedly surprised by the change, which they attribute to climate change, an increase in invasive species such as zebra mussels, and less phosphorous runoff. Chicago Tribune
On The Radar
Hurricane Nate made landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi as a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday night. It has since been downgraded to a tropical depression, although it is still bringing heavy rains and causing power outages along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm caused deaths in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras. NBC News
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
