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3 ways to put water onto the climate agenda

3 ways to put water onto the climate agenda

Coming up: World Water Day 2020

  • One of the most significant, yet ignored, impacts of climate change is its disruption of the water cycle.
  • The youth-driven climate movement provides examples of how to incorporate water into the climate agenda by raising awareness, encouraging advocacy and promoting innovation.
  • World Water Day 2020 is focused on the interconnectedness of water and climate change.

This year, World Water Day is focused on the … [more…]

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Will Groundwater Sustainability Plans End the Problem of Dry Drinking Water Wells?

Will Groundwater Sustainability Plans End the Problem of Dry Drinking Water Wells?

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, work continues on managing groundwater for long-term sustainability, as required by California’s landmark Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). In January, water users in 21 critically overdrafted basins delivered their groundwater sustainability plans to the state Department of Water Resources. In this series, we examine the 36 plans submitted for 11 critically overdrafted basins in the San Joaquin Valley—California’s largest farming region, where excess … [more…]

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U.S. judge halts oil leases due to lack of federal study of water impacts

U.S. judge halts oil leases due to lack of federal study of water impacts

WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) – A U.S. judge on Friday halted nearly 300 oil and gas leases on a large section of federal land in Montana that had been approved by an agency of the Interior Department and ordered the agency to conduct a thorough environmental analysis of the impact of fracking on drinking water.

District Court Judge Brian Morris said in his ruling that the Bureau of Land Management … [more…]

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No, drinking water doesn’t kill coronavirus

No, drinking water doesn't kill coronavirus

Photo: Man crossing the road with water bottles in a shopping trolly (Credit: Getty Images)

A rumour about Covid-19 has been spreading — that drinking water regularly and keeping your mouth moist can protect you. Here BBC Future examines the evidence.

First there was the bizarre suggestion that it can be cured with cocaine. After the erroneous idea circulated widely on social media, the French government had to quickly issue … [more…]

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California hit hard as Trump weakens clean water protections

California will be hit hard as Trump administration weakens clean water protections

Photo: Under the new rule, the Clean Water Act’s protections would no longer apply to most small streams and wetlands, including those that are considered vital parts of drinking-water systems and fisheries. Above is Owens Valley. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Defying environmentalists and public health advocates, the Trump administration on Thursday will announce the replacement of Obama-era water protections with a significantly weaker set of regulations … [more…]