Public health

CAL MATTERS: California sets nation’s first water standard for cancer-causing contaminant

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical,…

1 day ago

EPA limits six ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water — but there are 15,000

‘Forever chemicals’ are linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health problems. Photograph: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Rules celebrated for reducing…

2 days ago

Lahaina’s Wildfire Burned So Hot That Many Dangerous Contaminants Likely Vaporized

USGS scientist Renee Takesue collected sediment in a drainage ditch in Lahaina’s burn zone. Samples are being analyzed by independent…

3 days ago

‘Acute Problems’ Plaguing Big Island’s Wastewater Treatment Systems Prompt EPA Crackdown

Birds make a home in the lagoon system where wastewater is treated in Kealakehe. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024) A newly signed…

1 week ago

Tijuana River: ‘on the level of the Flint water crisis,’ warn advocates

Photo: The Tijuana River sewage crisis has forced some beaches to close for the past 800 days and counting. For…

2 weeks ago

Navy Whistleblower Pursued Fraud Case Against Red Hill Contractors, Unsealed Documents Show

Photo: Prior to the fuel leaks at Red Hill in 2021, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Bencs raised concerns with her…

2 weeks ago

‘1,000 Steps Backward’: Navy Says Its Vast Testing Of Pearl Harbor Water Has Been Flawed

Members of the U.S. Navy’s long-term monitoring team conducted water testing at an Aliamanu Military Reservation home in Honolulu in…

3 weeks ago

Biden administration warns states of cyberattack threat to water, wastewater systems

(The Hill) — The Biden administration warned governors Tuesday that “disabling” cyberattacks are targeting drinking water and wastewater systems throughout…

4 weeks ago

70 million Americans drink water from systems reporting PFAS to EPA. Is yours on our map?

At least 70 million Americans get their water from a system where toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" were found at levels…

4 weeks ago

EPA narrows in on PFAS regulations, Tucson hopes for federal priority

Alisa Reznick/KJZZ — Kaulana Breitenbach, water quality specialist for the Marana Water Department, shows a sample of the activated charcoal…

1 month ago