The Stream, July 28, 2021: Argentina Declares ‘Water Emergency’ On Parana River

YOUR GLOBAL RUNDOWN

• Argentina declares a state of emergency for the Parana River as it reaches historic lows.
• Leaky drainage lines pour sewage into India’s Pavana River, which is overflowing with monsoon rains.
• Saudi Arabia halts a multi-billion-dollar deal to sell stake in the world’s largest water desalination plant.
• Cases of Legionnaires’ disease rise in Rhode Island. 

Researchers at the University of Michigan find some Detroit residents lack complete access to water.

“Solving the water access and affordability challenge in Detroit requires engaging with the interactive consequences of an aging system, high levels of poverty and persistent housing challenges.” – Sara Hughes, an environmental policy analyst at the U of M School for Environment and Sustainability. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that in some neighborhoods in Detroit, 10 percent of residents lack complete access to water. In a policy brief, the authors of the study recommended expanding funding for residential plumbing repairs, strengthening coordination between city departments and using city water data to identify target investments and reach disadvantaged customers.

• In context: Water Access: As Moratoria on Shutoffs End, Old Problems Return to Forefront

Leaky Drainage Lines Pour Sewage Into Overflowing Pavana River

As the Pavana River in Pune, India, overflows due to monsoon rains, drainage lines are leaking sewage into the water. The Hindustan Times reports that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board identified six major drains as the main sources of the pollution.

TODAY’S TOP WATER STORIES, TOLD IN NUMBERS

$2 BILLION

Saudi Arabia suspended a $2 billion sale of stake in the world’s largest desalination plant, Bloomberg reports. People familiar with the situation said potential investors were deterred by the plant’s old age, use of outdated technology, and poor environmental credentials. The sale was meant to be part of a governmental push towards privatization. In May, Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan said the kingdom aims to raise around $38 billion through privatizations over the next four years.

30 CASES

Public Health officials in Rhode Island are investigating a rising number of Legionnaires’ disease cases over the last month and a half, the Associated Press reports. Since June 2, officials have recorded 30 cases of the water-borne disease. Of those, 28 people have required hospitalization.

• In context:‘Deadly’ Consequences If Stagnant Water in Shuttered Buildings Is Not Properly Addressed

ON THE RADAR

The government of Argentina declared a “water emergency” for the Parana River over the next 180 days, Reuters reports. The move comes as water levels on the Parana dwindle to historic lows, restricting the amount of grain that can be shipped from a key Argentinian ports hub. The state of emergency urges residents and businesses in some provinces to reduce water use in an effort to improve the river’s water levels.

Jane Johnston

Jane is a Communications Associate for Circle of Blue. She writes The Stream and has covered domestic and international water issues for Circle of Blue. She is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she studied Multimedia Journalism and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. During her time at Grand Valley, she was the host of the Community Service Learning Center podcast Be the Change. Currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jane enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time outdoors.