A new study found that Europeans spend an average of £35 per trip to visit water bodies, with a typical family making 45 trips annually. Poor perceived water quality can result in significant losses, with over €100 billion in annual costs.
A public-private partnership in Monterey/Salinas has developed a novel water recycling program using urban stormwater runoff, irrigation drainage, food processing water, and traditional municipal wastewater. The recycled water supplies one-third of all drinking water on the Monterey Peninsula while providing irrigation water for high-v...
This study introduces a new method using terrestrial laser scanning to monitor changes in leaf water content of tree communities. The technique allows for the measurement and monitoring of leaf water content with increased accuracy.
A study of 850,000 Danish pregnancies found that nitrate in maternal drinking water was associated with lower birth weights and smaller body lengths, highlighting a critical data gap in current water standards for nitrate.
A 100-year record of water quality trends in the lower Mississippi River was reconstructed by LSU Professor R. Eugene Turner, revealing significant improvements in bacterial concentrations and oxygen content after the Clean Water Act went into effect.
Researchers found improved estuarine water quality in the Choptank River, with increased dissolved oxygen, clearer waters, and reduced algae blooms. Local actions, such as upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, contributed to these gains, while agricultural inputs appeared limited.
The study presents a modeling framework that accurately predicts water quality at beaches after only a day or two of frequent water sampling. This approach could be used to monitor unmonitored coastal areas, protecting the well-being of beachgoers and thriving ocean economies worldwide.
Researchers at NUS have created a substance that extracts water from air without external power, producing up to 17 litres of water per day. The 'smart' aerogel autonomously gathers and condenses water molecules, meeting World Health Organization standards for drinking water.
A Stanford study reveals that installing piped water closer to remote households in Zambia improves the lives of women and girls by reducing fetching time, increasing economic opportunities, and enhancing well-being. Households with piped water spend up to 80% less time fetching water, allowing for more time on productive activities li...
A novel, inexpensive chlorine dispensing device has been developed to improve tap water safety in regions with limited financial resources and infrastructure. The device, which requires no electricity or moving parts, releases measured quantities of chlorine into the water before it exits the tap.
WVU is launching a three-year drinking water testing and community engagement program to educate West Virginians about safe drinking water. The program will focus on several counties, providing free drinking water tests and support for interpreting results.
Researchers developed a framework to evaluate climate change adaptations for water and energy systems, finding that conserving water can alleviate electricity grid stress. The study applied this framework to California, highlighting two possible adaptation pathways: one energy-intensive and another that saves both water and energy.
A new study predicts that the number of people suffering extreme droughts will more than double by the late 21st century due to climate change. Global land area and population facing extreme droughts could increase from 3% to 7-8%, posing significant threats to food security and human migration.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Penn State have developed a new understanding of desalination membranes, which can clean more water while using significantly less energy. The breakthrough could lead to increased access to clean water and lower water bills for individual homes and large users alike.
Researchers discovered water's unique properties when confined in a tiny cage, facilitating access to the catalytic center. The team showed that water forms a droplet inside the cage, structurally and dynamically distinct from known phases of water.
Researchers quantify water usage of landscape plants in arid environments to inform irrigation practices. The study found that mature trees become more water efficient, reducing the need for turfgrass, and that removing turfgrass can lead to significant water savings.
A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology identified key 'water neurons' in the subfornical organ that stimulate water intake when dehydrated. They also found CCK-producing excitatory neurons that activate GABAergic interneurons to suppress thirst under sodium-depleted conditions.
A newly published Science journal paper reveals that water can exist as two liquids of differing density, with noticeably different properties and a 20% difference in density. The discovery explains many of water's anomalous properties and has significant implications for various scientific and engineering applications.
Scientists have observed the transformation between two liquid states of water at extremely low temperatures and pressures. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on water's unusual behavior and has significant implications for various fields, including biology and desalination.
A Stanford University study uses Zillow and census data to identify residential water use patterns and trends in different community groupings. The research found that income levels do not always correlate with water usage, and that changing community development can impact water consumption patterns.
Recent measurements reveal a surprise increase in dense water sinking near Antarctica, following 50 years of decline. Changes in bottom water formation can impact global climate and deep ocean ecosystems. The study documents an increase in supply of bottom water to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
A US study found a decline in water usage for most crops and livestock production due to climate change and shifts in consumer demand. Water use decreased by 8.3% for irrigation, but increased for oilseed crops driven by international supply-chain linkages.
A new study reveals that water on Mars is directly transported to the upper atmosphere, where it is converted into atomic hydrogen that escapes to space. The process is more pronounced during dust storms, including the 2018 global dust storm.
Researchers propose that water emerges during planet formation, contradicting previous 'accidental' asteroid collision theory. The study found water on Mars for the first 90 million years of existence, suggesting it was a bioproduct of the planet's formation process.
A new international study reveals that collecting drinking water can cause serious injury, with 13% of respondents reporting an injury while fetching water. Women are twice as likely to be hurt as men, highlighting the social and gender inequities of this hidden global health challenge.
The water-energy nanogrid is a standalone system that uses solar energy to decontaminate water and generate electricity. Researchers found that the nanofiltration system can successfully desalinate and remove chemicals from local groundwater, making it suitable for remote regions.
A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.
Researchers found that recycled wastewater achieved the best overall results for crop development, yield, and water productivity. Deficit irrigation strategies at 80% capacity also performed well, ensuring maximum water efficiency while maintaining excellent crop growth and yield levels.
A team of KAUST engineers has untangled the roles of water, hydrophobicity, and environmental factors in water electrification. They found that hydrophobic surfaces carry a negative surface charge, which attracts positive ions and repels negative ions from water.
A research team from the University of Córdoba has developed a method to calculate tree water consumption, allowing for optimized irrigation systems. This innovation enables farmers to determine if their trees are consuming water at optimal levels or experiencing stress, enabling targeted watering and maximizing production.
A new tool developed by Utah State University scientists can predict drought and water flow in the Colorado River several years in advance. The model uses long-term ocean memory and associated atmospheric effects, as well as filtering effects of land systems to temper short-term precipitation events.
A study by Haizhou Liu and colleagues reveals that corroded cast iron pipes can react with residual disinfectants to form Cr(VI), a known carcinogen. The researchers suggest using less-reactive disinfectants and replacing cast iron pipes with chromium alloy could help mitigate Cr(VI) levels in drinking water.
Quinoline and its derivatives have diverse chemical and pharmacological properties. The new water-mediated synthetic method offers environmentally friendly and regioselective transformations. This innovation provides an alternative route for the synthesis of quinolines, minimizing waste and improving efficiency.
A team of Penn State researchers has integrated water purification technology into a sea water electrolyzer, which uses an electric current to split apart the hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules. This new method can make it easier to turn wind and solar energy into a storable and portable fuel.
Key findings from a comprehensive literature review highlight the importance of top-down commitment to quality, mid-level leadership, and committee structure in achieving high-quality surgical outcomes. The study supports the ACS Quality Verification Program's Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality framework.
Researchers have made the first-ever measurements of liquid water at extremely cold temperatures, revealing that it exists in two distinct structures that co-exist and vary in proportion dependent on temperature. This discovery provides long-sought experimental data to explain water's bizarre behavior at low temperatures.
A nationwide survey of land use impacts on water quality in Brazil reveals that agriculture and urbanization are the main culprits behind river pollution. The study found that degradation varies according to scale or dimension used to evaluate it, and that catchment analysis appears to best reflect overall water quality.
Researchers investigate dynamic water storage in the critical zone, exploring its role in forest ecology, rock chemistry, and water quality. The team aims to predict how climate change affects these interactions, ultimately improving our understanding of the complex relationships within Western ecosystems.
Scientists analyzed enstatite chondrites, rare meteorites with primitive composition, to estimate the Earth's initial water content. Their findings indicate that the planet's rocks probably contained enough water to supply three times the amount of oceans, with only a small percentage delivered by comets or asteroids.
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that targeted efforts to increase water efficiency can save enough water annually to fill Lake Mead. The research found that some regions and industries have the greatest potential for water savings, with improved water productivity in corn, cotton, and alfalfa contrib...
Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of water security, with nearly a quarter of households in low-income countries struggling to access clean water. Experts are urging policymakers to prioritize behavioral change, knowledge promotion, and investment in water infrastructure to address this pressing issue.
A new US study reveals that improving water productivity in certain regions and industries can help conserve water. By setting realistic benchmarks, the research found that areas with high water stress have the most potential for water savings, with around half of those gains coming from agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
A new federal rule leaves millions of miles of unconnected US streams and acres of wetlands unprotected, potentially undermining decades of taxpayer investment in improving water quality. The move risks higher floods, loss of biodiversity, and threats to drinking water and recreational fishing.
Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory are utilizing X-ray synchrotrons to better understand the properties of materials involved in purifying salty or contaminated water. This fine-scale understanding can lead to the design of new materials for desalination and mitigation of fouling, addressing a pressing global issue.
A new membrane distillation process that uses solar heat to produce drinking water from seawater or wastewater has been developed. The technology can double the production of drinking water compared to existing methods, making it a promising solution for isolated areas without access to potable water.
The Community Water Model is a large-scale hydrological and water resources model that simulates global and regional water availability. It considers various sectors' demands and environmental needs, providing insights into the impact of climate change on water supply.
Researchers detected a critical point in water, where two distinct liquid forms exist at low temperatures and high pressures. The finding explains water's unusual properties, such as expanding when cooled and becoming more compressible.
Researchers developed a new aluminum panel that concentrates solar energy to evaporate and purify contaminated water, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses a burst of laser pulses to etch the surface of aluminum, creating a super-wicking and light-absorbing surface that can efficiently purify water.
A new laser-based method can evaporate and purify contaminated water with over 100% efficiency, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses sunlight to heat water, eliminating microbial pathogens and heavy metals, and is easy to clean and aim.
A new solar-powered water purification technology uses a biomimetic hierarchical steam generator to produce clean drinking water from non-drinkable sources. The device achieves high evaporation rates and efficiency, making it a promising solution for water-scarce areas.
Researchers developed a wood-based steam generator that harnesses solar energy to separate pure water from contaminants. The device uses light-absorbing, water-evaporating top layers and insulating glass bubbles for efficient purification.
A study led by the University of Zurich found that 1.5 billion people will strongly depend on mountain water resources by mid-21st century, up from 7% in the 1960s. Sustainable development and climate action are crucial to ensure mountain areas continue to supply water as 'water towers'.
Researchers discovered a two-layer water network surrounding hydrophobic molecules, with the inner layer being longer stable and more densely packed. This new understanding is crucial for biomolecular recognition and protein folding processes.
A nationwide analysis found Southwestern US correctional facilities' drinking water contains average arsenic concentrations twice as high as other community systems. This puts inmates at risk for chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Researchers analyzed 23 years of data on native tallgrass prairie and crop-livestock systems in Oklahoma, finding that cropping systems increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The study highlights the importance of long-term research in understanding land management impacts on water quality.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that reusing oilfield water in California's Kern County does not pose major health risks. The water can be safely used for irrigation if mixed with surface water, but farmers must plant boron-tolerant crops and monitor soil quality to avoid potential issues.
California cities can rely on six key strategies to provide for growing populations: conserving water through behavioral changes, reusing non-potable water for irrigation, recycling water for drinking, capturing stormwater runoff, and desalinating seawater. These measures can help reduce costs while increasing the state's water supply.
Researchers from Skoltech and German partners measure the electrical conductivity of pure interfacial water, finding it five orders of magnitude higher than bulk water. The discovery sheds light on complex fluids and has implications for electrochemical energy systems, membrane technologies, and nanofluidics.
Researchers assess proposals for water roads in Chile, considering impacts on ecosystems and human consumption amid climate change and water scarcity