Water Resources
Articles tagged with Water Resources
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Support local people to protect world’s nature, new report urges, as deadline for global conservation target looms
A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.
UN scientists warn that over 60% of developing countries face overlapping socioeconomic and water security challenges, affecting 2 billion people
A new UN report reveals that poor water quality is closely linked to poverty and gender inequality in the Global South. The study finds that 84 countries face a combination of unsafe drinking water, limited financial resources, and gender inequality, affecting nearly 2 billion people.
Less water, same taste: New approach helps growers produce sweet corn more efficiently
University of Missouri researchers developed an irrigation strategy that allows farmers to conserve water while maintaining crop quality. By tailoring water amounts based on plant growth stages, farmers can reduce water usage and costs.
Snow cover on Greek mountains has more than halved in four decades, study finds
Snow cover on Greek mountains has declined by 58% over the past four decades due to rising temperatures. The research found that warmer air causes more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow at high altitudes.
Nature loss brings catastrophic risks – new report
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
The rush for critical minerals echoes oil extraction injustice as harms fall on world's most vulnerable, UN scientists warn
A new report by the UN University finds that critical minerals extraction is causing severe environmental and health crises in vulnerable communities, while benefits accumulate mainly in wealthy nations. The investigation highlights intense water requirements, contaminated water, lost livelihoods and serious health consequences.
Opioids and other drugs accumulating in freshwater fish
A new study reveals that freshwater fish are accumulating antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs of abuse in their bodies, which can alter their behavior, development, and reproduction. The research uses a novel analytical method to detect these substances in small fish living in rivers receiving urban wastewater.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.
‘Safe’ fertilizer linked to extreme water quality loss in Canadian Prairies
Researchers found that nearly half of Prairie lakes, wetlands, and reservoirs may be degraded by decades of urea use, which increases growth of microscopic plants and drains essential oxygen out of ponds. Sustainable sources of water are threatened due to agricultural impacts, drainage of wetlands, and climate change.
Drinking water near coasts is under threat worldwide
A recent study reveals that over-abstraction of groundwater and rising sea levels are causing significant changes in coastal groundwater levels globally. The study, which analyzed data from approximately 480,000 wells, found that more than 20% of coastal areas showed significant changes in groundwater levels between 1990 and 2024.
Researchers from UConn and Yale have developed a new solar-powered water disinfection system
Researchers from UConn and Yale have developed a compact, solar-powered water disinfection system that combines existing methods. The system effectively utilizes photosensitizers to kill viruses and bacteria in water, providing a clear indication of when the water is safe to drink.
New study reveals online PFAs information from public sources can fall short and leave public without enough guidance
A new study found that websites providing PFAS information, including government and news sources, often fail to provide actionable advice on reducing exposure. The researchers recommend clear language about known threats and improved depiction of audience susceptibility levels to effectively communicate with the public.
Can unpaved roads and watersheds co-exist? Researchers wade into the question
Researchers found that sediment loading to streams is significant under current conditions and that individual road crossings have a minimal impact. The study highlights the importance of considering the entire watershed when managing unpaved roads and pastures for maximum water quality effects.
First cataloguing of lakes beneath the Canadian Arctic
A team of researchers has created a map of 33 subglacial lakes in the Canadian Arctic, revealing unprecedented detail about these bodies of water. The discovery helps scientists better understand the rapidly melting region and its implications for glacier loss and climate change.
$9.5 million grant launches global effort to reanalyze freshwater systems under pressure
The Re-Analysis of Water for Society (RAWS) project seeks to create a detailed daily record of the world's freshwater systems spanning 60 years. By combining advanced water modeling with artificial intelligence and integrated global datasets, RAWS aims to provide a clearer picture of how water systems have changed over time.
New AI models could slash energy use while dramatically improving performance
Researchers at Tufts University developed a proof-of-concept for efficient AI systems using neuro-symbolic AI, reducing power consumption by 100 times while providing accurate results. The approach uses symbolic reasoning to limit trial and error during learning, leading to faster completion and significant energy savings.
Why some regions are winning the fight against groundwater depletion
Researchers found that most successful initiatives incorporated multiple intervention categories, with over 80% involving alternative water sources. Implementing policies and environmental markets were also effective strategies. The study highlights the importance of multi-pronged approaches to address declining groundwater resources.
Earthquake scientists reveal how overplowing weakens soil at experimental farm
Researchers found that tilling and compaction disrupt intricate capillary networks within the soil, causing it to pool rainwater and form a muddy crust. The study provides a clear explanation for why tillage changes the structure of soil in ways that affect water retention.
Understanding mountain water – worldwide
The MountAInWater project uses a unique combination of field work, modeling, and AI to assess climate change impacts on mountain water supplies and identify potential tipping points. The global reanalysis will provide crucial resources for managing future water security challenges.
Webinar: How to communicate your science to UK policymakers
A free webinar, part of the Sustainable Microbiology Policy Spotlight journal webinar series, explores how microbiologists can effectively influence policy in the UK. The webinar, featuring senior policymakers and parliamentary affairs professionals, will take place on April 1, 2026, and will be recorded for retrospective viewing.
Glacial lakes are growing rapidly in Alaska, and research shows where growth will continue
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
Modern twist on wildfire management methods found also to have a bonus feature that protects water supplies
Forest thinning found to improve wildfire risk reduction and hydrological resilience, increasing snowpack depth by 30% on north-facing slopes. The treatment recovered about 12.3 acre-feet of snow-stored water per 100 acres, equivalent to roughly 15 Olympic swimming pools per square kilometer.
New evidence that ancient floods "rewrote" civilizations along the Yangtze River
Researchers found that widespread flooding in the Middle Yangtze Valley led to the decline of the Shijiahe culture around 4,200 years ago. The study used stalagmite analysis to reconstruct rainfall patterns and show that high-rainfall intervals were associated with increased flooding and a significant decline in population.
How bacteria can reclaim lost energy, nutrients, and clean water from wastewater
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
New study assesses potential dust control options for Great Salt Lake
A new collaborative study evaluates potential dust control measures for the Great Salt Lake, considering effectiveness, cost, water demand, maintenance needs, and ecological impacts. The analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, sustained maintenance, and careful consideration of unintended consequences.
Water UCI awarded $1.39M grant for US-China water quality research
The University of California, Irvine, has been awarded a $1.39 million grant to tackle non-point source pollution from agriculture and urbanization in the US and China. The research will focus on severe eutrophication and harmful algal blooms caused by agricultural runoff and urban pollutants.
Extensive freshened water beneath the ocean floor confirmed for the first time
An international team has successfully documented and sampled freshened water within a zone nearly 200 metres thick beneath the ocean floor. This discovery sheds light on offshore freshened groundwater systems and their relevance to coastal communities relying on groundwater for freshwater supply.
New “source-to-tap” framework exposes and fixes mismatched use of water resource from protected areas
A new spatially explicit framework tracks water supply and allocation in protected areas, highlighting significant spatial disparities. The study recommends differentiated pricing and basin-specific responses to optimize HQWR utilization, addressing ecological sustainability and equity.
“Sustainable Water³ Space” network for water sustainability in Yellow River Basin
Researchers identified key policy levers to support water sustainability in the Yellow River Basin and developed a network integrating 53 SDG indicators. The network demonstrates superior structural stability and predictive power compared to traditional models.
How climate change contributed to the demise of the Tang dynasty
A study found that hydroclimatic extremes and changes in agriculture led to the collapse of the Tang dynasty in 907 CE. The research analyzed tree ring data and concluded that increased droughts and floods took a toll on the empire's outer borders and agricultural systems.
Scientists discover how fast the world’s deltas are sinking
New research reveals that land subsidence caused by humans is the main culprit behind delta sinking, posing increased flooding risk to 236 million people. The study identifies groundwater extraction as the dominant cause of subsidence, highlighting the need for urgent local interventions.
Detailed map reveals groundwater levels across the U.S.
Researchers at Princeton University and the University of Arizona created a detailed map of groundwater levels across the US using direct measurements and AI methods. The map estimates 306,000 cubic kilometers of water, more than 13 times the volume of all Great Lakes combined.
Utah's other Great Salt Lake is underground, ancient, deep....and fresh
A team of geoscientists has identified a massive underground reservoir of freshwater beneath the Great Salt Lake, extending thousands of feet below the playa. The aquifer is believed to contain water dating back to the Ice Age, which could provide a new source for restoring lakebed crusts and reducing dust storms.
El Niño and La Niña make water extremes move in sync
Researchers have found that El Niño and La Niña are driving total water storage extremes globally, with a synchronizing effect on water storage across continents. The study uses gravity data from NASA's GRACE and GRACE Follow-On satellites to track water extremes and their connections.
The vast majority of US rivers lack any protections from human activities, new research finds
The US has more than 4 million miles of rivers, but existing regulations only account for less than 20% of total river length. Freshwater conservation strategies have historically focused on land use and development, leaving gaps in protection measures for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
AI river forecasts may be accurate—but based on flawed logic
A new study found that popular AI tools for predicting river flow often misinterpret how heat and evaporation affect water, raising concerns for flood and drought planning. The researchers developed a hydrology-specific 'explainable AI' framework to uncover these issues.
Nationwide study suggests that water treatment methods may impact the risk of legionnaires’ disease
A nationwide study found that water treatment methods using chlorine as a primary disinfectant increase the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Chlorine used as a secondary disinfectant also increases disease rates, whereas monochloramine reduces the risk.
New Editor-In-Chief outlines vision for sustainable watersheds
The journal prioritizes research on emerging contaminants, water-carbon-nutrient interplay, and advanced modeling technologies to inform policy and optimize multi-objective management strategies. The new leadership aims to steer the field toward a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet's essential water systems.
AMS 2026 Meeting showcases atmospheric science and the “human factor”
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
Urban blue spaces: Quietly supporting food, income and community
A research team led by Göttingen University found that urban blue spaces play a critical role in food security and social inclusion in four major Indian cities. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold food products.
Urban sprawl could deny 220 million people access to clean water by 2050
A study analyzing over 100 cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America found that compact urban planning is crucial for delivering water and sanitation to growing populations. The research suggests that if cities spread outward rather than building more densely, access to clean water and basic sanitation could be significantly impacted.
Study finds unsustainable water use across the Rio Grande
The study found that more than half of the water consumed in the basin is used unsustainably, with only 48% naturally replenished each year. The researchers suggest adopting deficit irrigation practices and repurposing farmland for habitat restoration or solar farms to address the crisis.
AMS Science Preview: Railways and cyclones; pinned clouds; weather warnings in wartime
Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.
Study questions water safety beliefs
A Washington State University-led study in Guatemala found that community perceptions of water safety often do not align with actual water quality. Bottled water was found to be the most frequently contaminated source, with only 17% meeting World Health Organization standards.
The future fate of water in the Andes
Researchers project that Chile's glaciers will only be able to contribute half of today's runoff meltwater during extreme dry summer months. They call for effective water management strategies and coordinated global climate policies to mitigate future megadroughts.
Ultrasonic device dramatically speeds harvesting of water from the air
MIT engineers have developed an ultrasonic device that vibrates at high frequency to shake out water molecules from a material, recovering clean drinking water in minutes. This design is 45 times more efficient than existing heat-based systems, which can take hours or days.
Can drinking tap water reduce how many calories children drink?
A recent study by Asher Rosinger found that children who drink their tap water and live in food-secure households consume fewer calories from sugary drinks. This suggests a link between water insecurity and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, highlighting the importance of universal access to safe drinking water for children's health.
Sand mining threatens the future of critical SE Asian ecosystem
The study found that sand mining in the Mekong River is causing a decline in the reverse flow system that feeds water into Tonlé Sap Lake. The lake is home to 885 species and provides livelihoods for almost two million fishers, but its future is at risk due to the increased extraction rates.
The land is sinking fast in Arizona's Willcox Basin
The Willcox Basin in Arizona is experiencing rapid subsidence due to excessive groundwater pumping for irrigation, with some areas sinking at rates of up to six inches per year. State management efforts, such as declaring an Active Management Area, may help slow subsidence and improve water levels.
California surface water costs triple during drought
A new University of California, Davis study finds that drought in California pushes the price of water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs up by $487 per acre-foot, more than triple the cost during an average wet year. Managing groundwater and surface water together could keep water prices steady and support the state's economy.
FAU’s CAROSEL offers new ‘spin’ on monitoring water quality in real time
Researchers track benthic nutrient fluxes using a new device called CAROSEL, which measures nitrogen released from sediments in real-time. The findings reveal daily rhythms in oxygen fluxes and highlight the importance of understanding sediment-water interactions in managing aquatic ecosystems.
Understanding water-soluble polymers in wastewater
Lehigh University researchers are collaborating with Dow on a three-year NSF-funded project to understand the chemistry behind full degradation of these polymers. The goal is to develop strategies for selective mixing of microbial communities to target different parts of the polymer for complete breakdown.
Mamluk Empire’s sugar industry revealed in ancient tunnels
A multidisciplinary team identified a network of water tunnels carved into soft tufa rock at Nahal 'Amal, which powered sugar mills during the Mamluk period. Radiometric dating suggests these channels supplied water to sugar mills, highlighting local ingenuity and adaptation to scarcity.
China’s hunger for meat “sustains” the consumption of natural resources in Brazil
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals China's increasing demand for animal proteins sustains the consumption of natural resources in Brazil. The research shows that soybean imports to China have a significant impact on Brazilian land use, water resources, and deforestation.
Study finds humans outweigh climate in depleting Arizona's water supply
A study published in Water Resources Research reveals that human groundwater pumping has depleted Tucson-area aquifers more than natural climate variation over the past few decades. The research team reconstructed groundwater ages, recharge rates, and water table depths using chemical and isotopic markers.
Surprising bacteria discovery links Hawaiʻi’s groundwater to the ocean
Researchers at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa identified Caulobacter inopinatus, a previously unknown species found in seawater collected near Oʻahu's south shore. The discovery highlights the connection between land and sea ecosystems through microbial exchanges.
Turning cracks into treasures: Clever use of crack structures to create highly efficient solar-powered water treatment systems
Researchers have developed a novel coating with controllable crack structure that enables efficient evaporation, pollutant degradation, and mechanical stability. The coating achieves high evaporation rates and effective purification of seawater, with a removal rate of over 99% for pollutants.
Running dry – a new study warns of extreme water scarcity in the coming decades
A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.