The Stream, July 3: Water Shortages Fuel More Protests in Iran

The Global Rundown

Protests over water shortages flare again in Iran.  An E. coli outbreak in the United States is linked to contaminated water. The United Kingdom imposes water restrictions as an ongoing heatwave sparks wildfires and wilts horticulture crops. Scientists collect detailed information about Kenya’s groundwater reserves for the first time. Wildfires spread across Colorado as dry, sweltering weather conditions continue.

“These are prime fire conditions.” –Larry Helmerick, spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Coordination Center, in reference to hot, dry, windy weather in Colorado. Several wildfires are blazing in the drought-stricken state, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. Reuters

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

Water Access In Lima Complicated by Inequality and Climate Uncertainty – With a population of 10 million, the world’s second-largest desert city receives a paltry 0.3 inches of rain each year.

What’s Up With Water – July 2, 2018 – “What’s Up With Water” condenses the need-to-know news on the world’s water into a weekly snapshot. Coverage this week includes: Deadly water-related quarrels in India, military takeover of water points in Venezuela, and the Florida-Georgia water dispute.

HotSpots H2O, July 2: Tensions Simmer Across India as Water Supply Falters – Hot temperatures and dwindling water supplies sparked conflict across India in recent months as the country suffers its “worst-ever” water crisis.

By The Numbers

210 Americans sickened by an E. coli outbreak across 36 states this spring. The outbreak, which spread through contaminated romaine lettuce, has been traced back to a water canal near Yuma, Arizona. Investigators are unsure how the polluted water, which was used to irrigate the lettuce crops, became initially contaminated. NPR

11 People injured during water-related protests in Abadan, Iran, over the weekend. Several demonstrators took to the streets, decrying water shortages and pollution. The protests, which an Iranian state news agency claims were “disrupting public order,” were stopped by security forces. Al Jazeera

Science, Studies, And Reports

A team of international scientists is conducting the first in-depth study of groundwater reserves in parts of Kenya. Researchers have begun analyzing the size and makeup of underground aquifers–data that will give a better understanding of how to sustainably manage the country’s groundwater. Reuters

On The Radar

Unseasonably warm temperatures above 30°C (86°F) continue to scorch the United Kingdom. Water utilities have imposed hosepipe bans and issued warnings that residents should be “careful with their water.” The ongoing heatwave is devastating the country’s horticulture crops, as well as fueling wildfires. The Guardian

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