Entries by Codi Kozacek

The Stream, March 18: Clean Energy Increases California’s Water Footprint

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The Global Rundown An increase in biofuel use is driving up California’s water footprint for energy, and household leaks in the United States lose billions of cubic meters of water each year. Contaminated water and juices are spreading typhoid fever in Uganda, and residents of Vanuatu are running out of food and water. Water managers […]

The Stream, March 17: Many Health Centers Worldwide Lack Clean Water, Report Says

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The Global Rundown A report from global health organizations highlights the lack of safe water and sanitation at health centers. Rivers in a Vietnam province are down 80 percent due to drought, while California considers stricter water conservation measures today. Alberta, Canada introduced stricter regulations to protect water from oil sands development, and scientists found […]

The Stream, March 16: PetroChina Should Pay $16 Million for Water Pollution

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The Global Rundown A report found PetroChina responsible for drinking water contamination in Lanzhou, China last year, while government testing found 75 percent of drinking water sources in Pakistan are unsafe for human consumption. Officials in Tuvalu worry about water and food supplies in the wake of Cyclone Pam, Russian communities struggle with a shrinking […]

Asian Carp Swarm South of Chicago As Consensus on Permanent Solution Eludes Nation

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New legislative proposal focuses on less expensive, short-term fixes. Photo courtesy Sarah Gross/ U.S. Army via Flickr Creative Commons Col. Frederic A. Drummond Jr., Chicago District commander, speaks to Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) during a Congressional Staff tour at Brandon Road Lock and Dam, Joliet, Ill., April 22, 2014. Click image to enlarge. By Codi […]

The Stream, March 11: Iran Lakes and Wetlands Disappearing

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The Global Rundown Iran’s fresh water supplies are dwindling, and rising seas are threatening the Marshall Islands and Kiribati. South Africa completed a feasibility study on a new desalination plant for Cape Town. Legislators in California heard testimony from state agencies that regulate oil wastewater, Des Moines voted to move ahead with its nitrate pollution […]

The Stream, March 10: Global Drought Responses Hurt by Lack of Coordination

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The Global Rundown A United Nations official says better drought management and response requires better coordination between government agencies. Taiwan released plans for measures to combat its drought, while wine growers and miners contend with a severe drought in Chile. A new study suggests temperatures in the northern hemisphere could begin to rise quickly. Microbes […]

The Stream, March 9: Australia Should Take Advantage of Groundwater

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The Global Rundown Australia should focus on improving management of its groundwater instead of building more surface water dams, according to two of the country’s water scientists. Water districts in California are considering major rate increases to combat the ongoing drought, while droughts around the world underline the growing threat from water scarcity. Ireland released […]

The Stream, March 4: Deforestation Could Cut India Rainfall by 20 Percent

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The Global Rundown Scientists linked widespread deforestation to potential drops in monsoon rains across Southeast Asia. California residents backpedaled on water conservation in January, while the state closed 12 oil injection wells this month to prevent groundwater pollution. Israel will increase yearly water supplies to Gaza, the world will meet this month to discuss disaster […]

United States Clean Water Rule Quandary Begins On Land

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EPA’s Clean Water Rule confronts deep-rooted farm resistance. Photo courtesy Ken Sturm / USFWS via Flickr creative commons The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers say their proposed Clean Water Rule will protect small streams and wetlands that are critical to downstream water quality. By Codi Kozacek Circle of Blue In March 2014, two […]

The Stream, March 3: Study Links Drought to Syria Conflict and Climate Change

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The Global Rundown Climate change was likely behind the drought that helped push Syria into civil war, scientists found. Two separate oil spills contaminated river water used for drinking and irrigation in Washington state and Virginia, while ongoing problems with water and sanitation infrastructure are contributing to food insecurity in Gaza. A cholera outbreak in […]

Wisconsin Iron Mine Plans Abandoned Due to Wetlands

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EPA action under Clean Water Act cited as determining factor. Photo © Codi Kozacek / Circle of Blue Jim and Maria Minikel, pictured here in 2013, retired to the Wisconsin Northwoods. Their home and 160 acres on Caroline Lake would abut the proposed site of the Gogebic Taconite iron mine.Click image to enlarge. On Sunday, […]

Switzerland Pledges 50 Percent Emissions Cut by 2030

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The Global Rundown Switzerland pledged emission cuts for a global climate deal in Paris, India’s groundwater is declining, and Sao Paulo mineral water deliveries are on the rise. Water infrastructure inefficiencies are losing billions of gallons globally. A deadly fungus was discovered in Madagascar’s frog populations, and a new iron mine is off the table […]