The Stream, April 25: London’s Sewer-Clogging Fatbergs Contain Deadly Bacteria, Analysis Finds

The Global Rundown

Researchers find that fatbergs, congealed masses of fat that clog London’s sewer system, contain potentially deadly bacteria. The Lewis and Clark water pipeline, which is intended to bring water to South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, nears completion. A newly-discovered great ape species in Sumatra is endangered by the construction of a Chinese dam. Global donors call for more than $6 billion in aid for war-torn Syria, hoping to improve access to water, medicine, and other amenities. Gwadar, Pakistan, hoping to become the “next Dubai,” works to overcome its water shortages.

“I would say because of climate change the rains have stopped – it used to rain much more often and in every season. Now Gwadar is facing severe water issues. There is no fresh water here.” –Abdul Rahim, an employee of the Gwadar Development Authority, in reference to the lack of rain in the Pakistani fishing port. Officials believe the strategically-located city could become the “next Dubai,” but first Gwadar must address its chronic water shortages. Reuters

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

What’s Up With Water – April 23, 2018 – “What’s Up With Water” condenses the need-to-know news on the world’s water into a snapshot for the start of the workweek. Listen to this week’s edition to hear coverage fracking in Australia, the decline of water privatization in Europe, and efforts by the U.S. Air Force to remediate water pollution in Colorado.

HotSpots H2O, April 23: Spotlight on South Sudan  – Conflict with anti-government rebels has aggravated water shortages in a country where public services are already in short supply.

By The Numbers

800 Estimated number of Tapanuli orangutan that are likely alive today, making it the most-endangered great ape in the world. The orangutan, which was discovered unexpectedly in Sumatra last year, is being further threatened by the construction of a Chinese dam. Plans for the dam include clearing large swathes of land in the middle of the great ape’s territory. The Guardian

300,000 Estimated number of customers in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota who will receive water from the Lewis and Clark pipeline. The pipeline, which draws water from the Missouri River in South Dakota, is nearing completion. MPR News

Science, Studies, And Reports

London’s Channel 4 and Thames Water conducted an ‘autopsy’ of one of the city’s fatbergs, a congealed mass of fat, diapers, and other waste clogging London’s sewers. The analysis found several dangerous bacteria in the fatberg, including listeria, campylobacter, and E. coli. Experts warn that if major blockage occurred because of a fatberg, these bacteria could wash back up through domestic and commercial pipes, flooding homes and businesses. The Guardian

On The Radar

World governments are seeking more than $6 billion in aid for Syria at a two-day donor conference which began on April 24. The funding will go toward measures such as helping refugees and restoring water and electricity to heavily-damaged cities. Reuters

In context: HotSpots H2O, March 12: Spotlight on Recent Unrest in Syria.

Kayla Ritter

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