The Stream, April 5: Capital Spending on U.S. Water Systems Set to Rise 11 Percent by 2027

The Global Rundown

A new report finds that capital spending on U.S. water systems will rise by 11 percent in the next decade. Brazil sues Norsk Hydro ASA for $75 million in environmental damages after a toxic leak at the world’s largest alumina refinery. The New Mexico Court of Appeals upholds a legal settlement allowing the Navajo Nation to withdraw water from the San Juan River. Flood warnings are issued throughout the United Kingdom as rain and snow cause rivers to rise. Hazardous waste threatens Serbia’s water supply.

“People actually buried hazardous waste in their own yards as if it were some kind of hidden treasure. This has to stop.” –Goran Trivian, Serbia’s Environmental Protection Minister, in reference to toxic waste that has been dumped or hidden for decades throughout the country. Authorities fear that the unreported waste is polluting portions of Serbia’s water and soil. The New York Times

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

Recurring Dry Spells Fuel Water Worries in Tokyo  – Although Tokyo generally enjoys plentiful rainfall, the Japanese megacity could soon face water shortages.

What’s Up With Water – April 2, 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 on drought-driven migration in India, water shortages in Mozambique, and the role of water in Iran’s ongoing protests.

By The Numbers

177 Number of flood warnings in place across the United Kingdom, as of April 4. Heavy rain and melting snow is causing several rivers in England and Scotland to overflow their banks. The Guardian

250 million reais ($74.83 million) Amount that the Brazilian state of Para is seeking in environmental damages after toxic chemicals allegedly leaked from the world’s largest alumina refinery. Norsk Hydro ASA, the Norwegian aluminum producer responsible for the refinery, also admitted to dumping untreated rainwater into the environment. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

A report by Bluefield Research predicts that capital spending on U.S. municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure will exceed $683 billion in the next 10 years, an 11 percent increase. The report analyzed planned spending on water infrastructure in 100 major cities, and found that more than half of the future spending will be used to upgrade aging pipes and waterways. Reuters

In context: 2018 Preview: What not to ignore about water infrastructure.

On The Radar

The New Mexico Court of Appeals upheld a legal settlement granting water rights to the Navajo Nation. The settlement, which allocates rights to the San Juan River, was challenged by a group of water and irrigation districts who claimed that resources from the river were not needed by the Navajo Nation. U.S. News & World Report

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