HotSpots H2O, January 30: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan Break Stalemate on Nile Dam Talks

The Global Rundown

Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan set a one-month timeline for resolving tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The World Health Organization (WHO) prioritizes water, sanitation, and hygiene in embattled South Sudan. An all-party meeting over the water-sharing dispute in Mahadayi, India, fails to reach a consensus. Deaths from human-animal conflict in Zimbabwe increase as people encroach on the country’s wildlife conservancies. Water allocation in Connecticut sparks debate between residents and large corporations.

“Historically, we have had a lot of water, and we want to continue to be good stewards of the resource.” –John W. Betkoski III, chairman of the Connecticut Water Planning Council, in reference to a recent report on the state’s water supply. The 616-page report warned that Connecticut’s limited water resources make it vulnerable to conflicts between towns, individuals, and large corporations. Homeowners are already angered over the construction of a major bottled-water facility near Hartford. Connecticut Post

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

Cape Town Outlines Plans for Emergency Water Distribution – Residents will be allowed 25 liters (6.6 gallons) per person per day at 200 collection points.

Deadly Legionella Bacteria Are Common in U.S. Building Plumbing – Water samples from cooling towers across the country show signs of the bacteria.

By The Numbers

1 month Length of time before Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan reconvene to address their disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt and Sudan have expressed concern that the dam will diminish their water supply, which Ethiopia insists is unlikely. After months of tension, the three countries met on Monday and established the one-month timeline. Reuters

40 Number of people killed by wildlife in Zimbabwe in 2017. Ninety-five animals were also killed in order to save human lives. Thousands of Zimbabweans moved onto the country’s wildlife conservancies in the past year, prompting a spike in human-wildlife conflict over water, pasture, and other resources. All Africa

Science, Studies, And Reports

The WHO is prioritizing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to achieve its health goals in South Sudan, according to a recent report by the organization. War and famine in South Sudan have jeopardized water access, leading to a spike in cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases. Relief Web

On The Radar

Parties to the Mahadayi water-sharing dispute failed to reach a consensus during recent negotiations, prompting another appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help in resolving the issue. The drought-stricken state of Karnataka has been appealing to neighboring Goa to share water from the Mahadayi river, which Goa has opposed thus far. The Hindu