The Stream, January 16: Clean Drinking Water a Top Priority, Says New California Governor

The Global Rundown

Newly-elected California governor Gavin Newsom names clean drinking water as a top priority. Michigan lawmakers reintroduce a bill to establish strict PFAS limits in state drinking water. Heat-stricken New South Wales, Australia, installs aerators in its waterways to minimize ongoing fish deaths. A new report warns that the water problems plaguing Detroit, Michigan–including aging infrastructure and rising costs–could soon impact other cities throughout Michigan. The heaviest rain in years hits parts of Israel.

“It’s only day five or six of the administration but, look, the issue of safe drinking water, affordable drinking water, is top of mind. I made that a point in yesterday’s budget. I made a point to emphasize that it’s a disgrace that in a state as wealthy and resourceful as ours that a million-plus people don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water.” –Gavin Newsom, the newly-elected governor of California, in reference to the many state residents who lack clean drinking water. Last week, Newsom took his cabinet on a “surprise” trip to Stanislaus County to hear from residents who rely on unsafe well water. The Modesto Bee

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

HotSpots H2O: Water Crisis Continues to Debilitate Gaza Strip  — Polluted water in the Gaza Strip continues to sicken people — and there are few signs of improvement.

What’s Up With Water – January 14, 2019 — This week’s edition of What’s Up With Water includes a survey of water news around the globe and coverage on water pollution in China.

By The Numbers

40°C (104°F) Temperatures this week in parts of New South Wales, Australia. Experts say toxic algae blooms, caused by heat and drought, are to blame for recent fish kills along the Murray-Darling River system, which have left up to one million fish dead. In response, the government is installing aerators in some waterways in hopes of boosting oxygen levels and preventing more deaths. The Guardian

5 parts-per-trillion (ppt) Proposed safety limit on two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFOS and PFOA, in Michigan drinking water. A bill advocating for the 5 ppt limit was reintroduced by state Democrats this week after facing opposition last year. If the bills passes, Michigan will have the strictest PFAS regulations in the country. MLive

Science, Studies, And Reports

A new 100-page report detailing water issues in Detroit, Michigan, was released on Monday. The report, a collaborative effort between academics at the University of California Berkeley and a faith-based group in Detroit, discusses faltering infrastructure, rising bills, ongoing shutoffs, and the need for reform in the southern Michigan city. The report also warns that similar problems will soon impact other Michigan cities if preventative measures are not taken. Bridge

In context:
When the Water Is Shut Off
Voices From Detroit: Life Without Water

On The Radar

Torrential rains and massive floods hit parts of parched northern Israel this week, including Jerusalem. The precipitation, which is expected to turn to snow in coming days, is the heaviest seen in five years. Times of Israel

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