Articles tagged with Water Conservation
Researchers have improved crop water-use-efficiency by 25% without compromising yield, using a single gene. The team increased photosynthetic protein PsbS levels to conserve water, allowing plants to grow faster and yield more during dry spells.
A new study demonstrates how conservation techniques championed by Maine lobstermen help mitigate the impacts of warming oceans. The research found that conservation efforts prepared the Gulf of Maine population for temperature changes, leading to a 515% increase in lobster abundance.
Water-saving measures in California have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption. The study found that the decrease in water usage translated into a substantial electricity saving, equivalent to 1,830 gigawatt hours.
A PSU researcher has discovered that small inland ponds account for a significant portion of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from inland waters. Her study, published in Nature Geoscience, revealed that these small ponds, despite being only 9% of the total surface area, contribute 15% of CO2 emissions and 41% of methane emissions.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method to tailor water releases from dams to promote the success of native fish species while controlling invasive non-native species. This approach, known as designer flows, can benefit both humans and freshwater ecosystems in arid regions where water is scarce.
Research at the AGU Fall Meeting found that mistletoe lacks adaptation to conserve water during hot weather, leading to increased evaporation and potential tree death. Trees with high mistletoe levels become less healthy and can die when dry spells persist.
The publication of the buffalo genome provides essential reference point for studies on molecular genetics, helping breeders enhance desirable characteristics and researchers preserve diversity. A molecular tool, Buffalo SNP chip, has been developed to apply modern molecular breeding systems to water buffalo.
Scientists warn that saline lakes globally are in peril due to excessive water withdrawals and climate change, threatening wildlife habitats, industries, and human health. The Great Salt Lake has declined by approximately 11 feet and lost nearly 50% of its area over the last 160 years.
A new Berkeley Lab study finds that cool roofs can save up to 9% of outdoor water consumption in California counties. Widespread adoption could result in 83 million gallons of water savings daily in Los Angeles County.
Scientists discovered that hardy corals, known as coralliths, can create stable habitats for other species to build upon. These mobile corals can survive harsh environments and may have played a key role in forming existing coral habitats.
UTA researchers are using a $50,000 grant to build models and test software that will help the Trinity River Authority make a decision on converting flood storage to water supply. The conversion could allow TRA to store treated wastewater in wet years and sell it during droughts.
Researchers used satellite data to track groundwater levels in Silicon Valley, discovering the aquifer rebounded quickly after a severe drought due to aggressive conservation measures. The study lays groundwork for low-cost monitoring of subterranean water reserves globally.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that indoor residential conservation during droughts can diminish the quantity and quality of influent available for treatment in wastewater reuse systems. This can lead to reliability issues and increased pollutants in treated wastewater, hindering its use for irrigation or other purposes.
A University of Kansas researcher found that well owners in Kansas use more water during droughts due to their ability to irrigate crops. Unlike non-well owners, who cut back on water usage, well owners tap into the aquifer to sustain crops during dry years.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University developed a simple, low-cost tactic to conserve water by providing people with more information about lawn watering. The 'Rain-watered Lawn' pilot program involved 627 households and showed a 61% decrease in lawn watering during rainy summer weeks.
Researchers discovered that newborn humpback whales communicate with their mothers using intimate grunts and squeaks to avoid being overheard by killer whales. The study found that these quiet calls help mother-calf pairs stay together in murky waters, reducing the risk of attracting male humpbacks.
Researchers found that consuming more salt led to reduced water intake and conserved body water by triggering a mechanism in the kidneys. The study suggests that urea plays a crucial role in maintaining proper water balance and challenges previous assumptions about its function.
A new study shows that a high-salt diet can lead to increased hunger and muscle wasting, while also conserving water and producing more urea. This unexpected finding has significant implications for the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Research by the University of Kent found that great crested newt eDNA can be used to monitor population size and environmental factors. This technology can improve conservation efforts and reduce delays in development projects.
A study by Chapman University found that California's water conservation messaging strategies, such as conservation tips and loss aversion, can actually decrease participants' attitude towards water conservation. The researchers suggest that these strategies may need to be reconsidered or monitored for their effectiveness.
The study aims to assess how siloed municipal water agencies in Texas can transition to an Integrated Urban Water Management model. The Institute for Sustainable Energy will focus on integrated water utility financial modeling, providing recommendations for a viable path to IUWM in Texas.
A new study links declining eelgrass beds to deteriorating water quality and rising temperatures, resulting in significant ecological and economic costs. The study estimates potential economic loss at $1-2 billion in Chesapeake Bay alone, primarily due to impacts on blue crab fisheries and silver perch populations.
Researchers mapped the long-distance movements of four goliath catfish species and found that adult dorado catfish take up to 1-2 years to reach their spawning grounds in or near the Andes. The study reveals the incredible life histories of these fish, which migrate thousands of kilometers in both directions to complete their life cycle.
A new river basin classification system will help safeguard region's biodiversity and monitor infrastructure development in the Amazon. The framework provides a dynamic way to map natural resources and possible infrastructure impacts on them.
Scientists have uncovered the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that allow certain plants to conserve water and thrive in semi-arid climates. By studying the unique metabolic processes of CAM plants, researchers aim to transfer these traits into bioenergy and food crops.
A new study reveals that water conservation by plants under high CO2 conditions compensates for much of the effect of warmer temperatures, retaining more water on land than predicted. This changes assumptions of climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, wildfire risk, and plant growth.
A new study found that well owners in Kansas are significantly more aware of water supplies and policies, prioritizing conservation and issues related to the High Plains Aquifer. This research has broader implications for environmental stewardship and groundwater management.
A global study found that one-third of large cities spend 50% more on water treatment costs due to damaged watersheds, with a total cost exceeding $100 billion US. Cities can protect their drinking water by planning for sustainable development and investing in urban source watersheds.
Research on Iowa stream nitrate levels reveals counterintuitive findings, contradicting models that more corn would increase nitrate concentrations. Fertilizer application and soil chemistry differences between corn and soybeans may contribute to lower nitrate levels in streams.
Researchers used GIS tools to identify high-risk poaching areas and proposed drone surveillance for more efficient conservation efforts. The study found that open savannah areas with roads and water features are hotspots for poaching.
Researchers found that low-flow sprinkler systems were effective in mitigating heat stress in cows, with similar benefits to high-flow systems. Cows produced more milk when given access to sprinklers, and both types provided improved behavioral and physiological responses.
Researchers from University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed a novel process to recycle water from whey, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in food processing plants. The reconditioned water showed comparable cleaning efficiency to potable water.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made new discoveries about how ancient Maya commoners conserved water for drinking and irrigation. The study, using LiDAR technology, found evidence of over 100 small reservoirs in a Maya site, with three confirmed as water features.
The Community College Innovation Challenge has named 10 finalists for its second annual competition, which aims to develop crucial innovation skills among students. The projects focus on sustainable water resources, renewable energy, and food waste reduction, with the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future.
The University of Maryland School of Public Health will lead a $10 million grant from the USDA to develop innovative, safe and sustainable ways to irrigate food crops in variable climates. The CONSERVE Center of Excellence aims to identify alternative water sources and new treatment technologies for contaminant-free irrigation.
A new study by UCLA researchers proposes expanding the use of recycled water to reduce water and energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. The strategy has potential global applications, particularly in addressing water scarcity and related health issues.
A USU engineering researcher is developing new data analysis tools to help close the gap in urban water use behavior measurement and management. With a $507,000 NSF grant, Dr. Jeff Horsburgh aims to create useful information products for water managers using smart meter data.
Two tree species in southwestern Colorado employ distinct strategies to cope with drought: the ponderosa pine conserves water by shutting down production, while the trembling aspen alters its physiology to continue growing. This study sheds light on how woody plants may confront twin scourges of less water and hot weather in a warmer a...
Homeowners with smart irrigation controllers are generally satisfied, but experience challenges with SMS-based systems. A tutorial may not be sufficient to increase familiarity with the devices.
The new EEFLUX application allows farmers to view field-scale maps of water consumption in near real-time, providing insights into evapotranspiration and water management. With Landsat satellite imagery, experts can track water consumption year over year, making it easier to monitor the effectiveness of conservation projects.
A recent study found that Florida homeowners waste a significant amount of fresh water on their lawns, with some using as much as 64% or more. The main barriers to conservation are a lack of knowledge and pressure from Home Owner's Associations (HOAs) to maintain perfect lawns.
UCSB, UC Davis, and PowWow Energy receive $2.3 million in funding to deploy a method to measure groundwater use and provide irrigation best practices for California's major crops such as alfalfa, almonds, pistachios, and tomatoes. The project aims to optimize agricultural water and energy efficiency during drought years.
A study by Duke University found that residential and commercial customers using automatic bill payments consumed 4-6% and 8% more power, respectively. This increase in demand may offset savings from energy demand-reduction programs. To combat this issue, utilities are exploring strategies to boost price salience.
A comprehensive survey of resources used and removed in the world's largest metropolitan areas reveals that megacities consume significantly more energy and produce more solid waste than other regions. Despite having a relatively small percentage of the global population, megacities generate a substantial proportion of global GDP.
A study found that controlled irrigation treatments at lower substrate moisture content levels can produce high-quality plants with equal shelf life, while reducing water usage. Researchers used Angelonia angustifolia and discovered the benefits of reduced irrigation for retail settings.
A new study predicts that global water demand will outpace supply by mid-century unless innovative solutions are developed. Researchers used a mathematical model to analyze past trends and suggest a similar pattern of technological advancements could alleviate future shortages.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's SAWBO initiative uses animated educational videos to teach subsistence farmers how to construct raised planting beds and install drip irrigation systems. These techniques can increase agricultural productivity, conserve water, and even combat desertification.
A satellite study has identified critical water bodies on the Swan Coastal Plain in Western Australia that support aquatic species survival, with many facing decline due to climate change and human factors.
A Washington State University study found that consumers are willing to pay a 10 percent premium for environmentally labeled meat products, leading to significant water savings in livestock production. The research suggests that moderate price premiums can have a greater impact on water conservation than high premiums for niche products.
A recent Texas A&M AgriLife Research study identified the impact of soils, land cover and water use on groundwater levels in Texas. The study found progressive decline in statewide decadal median water levels from 46 feet to 118 feet between the 1930s and 2000s.
Reducing agricultural production in provinces like Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Hebei, and importing food from other regions, could conserve China's water resources. A new report suggests that restructuring these regions could reduce national water use while maintaining food security.
The Urban Water Management Workshop, held at UC Riverside, stressed the need for a portfolio approach to water management, including information campaigns, pricing options, supply reuse, and technology-based rebate programs. The workshop aimed to improve communication and collaboration between academics and water agency officials.
In a recent study, scientists document the importance of irrigated agricultural crops to the Long-billed Curlew, a species of continental conservation concern. The study highlights the need for allocating water reliably to wetlands and flooded agricultural lands to support the species' survival.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that global food trade can alleviate water scarcity in parts of India, Morocco, and Egypt through imports of agricultural goods. However, exports from countries like Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Afghanistan, and the US exacerbate local water stress.
A national survey by Indiana University researcher Shahzeen Attari found that nearly 43% of participants cited taking shorter showers, despite toilets using the most water daily. The study highlights the importance of efficiency improvements like replacing toilets and retrofitting washing machines to conserve water.
A UC Riverside study suggests that increasing block-rate water budgets can effectively promote water use efficiency by sending a price signal to customers regarding water scarcity. The study found that average household water use decreased by 15% under the new pricing structure, while overall prices only rose 4%.
Researchers found statistically significant reduction in water use only in the month of the workshop, but this impact is short-lived. To sustain reductions, reinforcement of educational messages is required.
A research team has documented rarely seen pre-spawning behavior in bonefish, which should aid future conservation efforts. The study tracked a school of over 10,000 bonefish as they completed their spawning migrations in the Bahamas.
A study by Griffith University found that smart water meters can reduce post-meter water loss in households by up to 91% by identifying leaks and repairing them. The project identified 4% of households with suspected leaks, leading to cost savings for customers.
Researchers propose harnessing beneficial microbes to control opportunistic pathogens in household plumbing, which can harbor deadly germs like Legionella and M. avium complex. This approach aims to improve water-borne disease control by leveraging the microbiome's potential for competition.