Articles tagged with Water Supply
Researchers at Ohio State University warn that climate change is causing widespread and consistent warming in glaciers across the Andes and Himalayas, leading to a decline in water supply for millions of people. The melting glaciers can trigger hazards like avalanches and floods, and have long-lasting effects on regional water supplies.
Research found that global water supplies are shrinking as soils dry out due to climate change, leading to drought-like conditions. Despite intense rain, large rivers are drying out, and urban flooding is becoming more common.
The Bureau of Reclamation has released a report identifying innovative approaches to improve drought resiliency in the Washita Basin. The study used tree ring data to develop a new reservoir operations model, predicting that paleo droughts could have far greater impacts on reservoir yield than observed droughts.
Agricultural irrigation accounts for 70% of water use in some regions, and increased efficiency can lead to more water extraction, not less. Higher irrigation efficiency may even increase on-farm water use and groundwater extraction, argues a recent study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
A UC Davis study found significant variation in how water managers engage with climate information, with perspectives clustering by cultural terms. The researchers identified three types of manager's temporalities, from those who closely model futures to those who disregard climate change.
A recent study reveals that giant panda conservation has a substantial economic value, with estimates suggesting the reserves provide $2.6-6.9 billion per year in ecosystem services. The research suggests that expanding these reserves and investments in natural capital could be a worthwhile strategy for conservation.
Scientists from the University of Leeds developed a global index identifying peatland-fed water as a significant source of drinking water in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The study estimates that peatlands support the equivalent of 71.4 million people globally, with most of these areas being in the British Isles.
A University of Oklahoma study analyzes 370,000 Landsat images to reveal divergent trends in US surface water bodies from 1984 to 2016. Climate was the primary driver behind decreasing trends in southwest and northwest states and increasing trends in southeast and northern Great Plains states.
A study by Colorado State University found that 19 megacities worldwide depend on evaporation from surrounding lands for more than one-third of their water supplies. Cities such as Karachi and Shanghai are among those most dependent on moisture recycling, while others like Cairo and Paris have less vulnerable systems.
Study finds that 17 state oil and gas regulations leave the nation's water supply vulnerable to contamination. Groundwater resources are increasingly being used for drinking, food-crop irrigation, and household uses due to increased demand and climate change impacts.
A study led by Colorado State University researchers found that a change in the city's drinking water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River likely caused the 2014-15 Legionnaires' disease outbreak. The majority of cases, estimated at 80%, were attributed to this change.
Researchers conducted a comprehensive study on cloud seeding, tracing the transition of ice crystals into snowflakes and observing the effects of silver iodide on cloud seeding. The study provides direct, quantifiable observations for the first time, shedding light on the effectiveness of cloud seeding in increasing winter snowfall.
A University of Wyoming researcher led a study on cloud seeding, demonstrating direct observation of cloud seeding for the first time. The research, dubbed SNOWIE, took place in Idaho and provided quantifiable observations of cloud seeding processes.
Drexel University researchers found associations between acute gastrointestinal illness and water turbidity, even at low levels. Cloudy drinking water provides a place for germs like norovirus, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium to hide, increasing the risk of illness.
A new robotic system developed by MIT researchers can find even tiny leaks in water or gas pipes with high accuracy, helping to alleviate water shortages and structural damage. The system uses a small, rubbery robot that moves passively through the pipe, detecting pressure variations to locate leaks.
Climate change and increased demand will outstrip freshwater supply in Iqaluit, even with stagnant population growth. Researchers predict the city may run out of fresh water by 2024 unless alternative sources are found to extend the water supply.
A new study found that warmer temperatures have deepened the decline in streamflow in the Upper Rio Grande watershed since the mid-1980s. The research suggests that incorporating temperature into water supply forecasts could improve their accuracy, especially in the face of climate change.
A collaboration between NASA and the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center uses satellite data to improve stream flow forecasts, reducing errors by up to 70 percent. This enhances decision-making for managing water resources and reservoir facilities in the basin.
A new study finds that earlier snowmelt periods hinder forest carbon regulation, reducing CO2 uptake by 45% by mid-century. Earlier snowmelt also affects streamflow, agriculture, and recreational opportunities in the western US.
A study by Harvard researchers found unsafe levels of toxic chemicals PFASs in public drinking water supplies for six million people in the US. The highest levels were detected near industrial sites, military fire training areas, and wastewater treatment plants.
A new study finds that earlier snowmelt periods associated with a warming climate may hinder subalpine forest regulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings predict a 45% reduction in snowmelt period forest carbon uptake by mid-century.
Researchers developed an affordable open-source data logger to collect high-frequency stream data, capturing trends in water volume and behavior. The logger enables communities to build resilience to water resource stress, a crucial step in addressing the impact of global climate change.
A new Stanford study reveals that managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an effective and affordable way to balance local groundwater decisions with regional and statewide management. The median cost of MAR projects is $410 per acre-foot, compared to $2,100 for surface water projects.
The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico, but its water level is declining due to growing demand. A new study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen water resources management, including reciprocal water re-distribution, expertise sharing, and small-scale sustainability strategies.
Research finds water yields from unmanaged forested watersheds in the southern Appalachian Mountains declining due to climate change and gradual shifts in forest structure. The study's findings have implications for managing forest composition to ensure water supply under future climate change.
Researchers have found a link between lead contamination in Flint's soil and elevated blood levels in local children, particularly in low-income areas. The study suggests that soil lead is an additional factor contributing to the city's ongoing water crisis.
New research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that water supplies in major Asian rivers, such as the Yellow River and Yangtze, will be stable or increase in the coming decades. The study models future climate change and its impact on the region's water balance.
Scientists at Michigan State University propose a novel approach to understanding the global impacts of megacity water demands. The telecoupling framework examines how environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks, often highlighting research gaps previously overlooked.
Research in India and Democratic Republic of the Congo found that households with continuous piped water supplies had lower rates of dysentery and typhoid fever, but no association with overall diarrheal illness or child growth. Interrupting water supply can negate health benefits.
A study of 119 low-per capita income countries found that institutional controls are a significant factor in freshwater supply management. Many geographically disparate nations have similar water supply vulnerability 'fingerprints', highlighting the importance of good governance.
Research links water fluoridation above 0.7 mg/l to a 30% higher than expected rate of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in England. Researchers suggest switching to non-fluoride-based interventions to protect tooth health.
A new study recalculates global progress in household water access, highlighting deficits in sanitation. The findings suggest that prioritizing both water and sanitation equally could improve human health outcomes.
A new study by international researchers highlights China's booming economy is exacerbating water stress for poorer regions through virtual water transfers. The efforts only partially alleviate water stress and are likely to be insufficient to offset increased demand due to economic growth.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $9.2 million for 131 research projects focused on increasing water supplies, optimizing water availability under a changing climate, and improving water infrastructure reliability and safety.
The study found that rural households in areas with low access to improved water and sanitation are more likely to lack these basic services. Geographical mapping reveals substantial levels of inequality in access to improved drinking-water supplies and sanitation across sub-Saharan Africa.
A survey of policy makers and scientists found that US water supply availability is the top priority for natural resource management. The study, published in BioScience, ranked questions on water supply necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience as the most important.
A study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. watersheds are stressed due to high demand for water exceeding natural supply. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this trend, creating challenges for agriculture, electrical suppliers, and municipalities.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified four bacteria found in drinking water that can form biofilms on pipes. Combining these bacteria with Methylobacterium produces a biofilm within 72 hours. The study suggests targeting specific bacteria could prevent biofilm formation and reduce chemical treatments.
A UT Arlington environmental engineer is investigating the best methods to add monochloramine to water in the pipeline to eliminate biological growths and invasive species. The research aims to ensure efficient water delivery and last-long duration for the pipeline, benefiting over 4.4 million people in North Texas.
The article highlights the need for sustainable water systems to tackle global water shortages and pollution. New technologies, stricter standards, and innovations are required to provide clean water for nearly 1 billion people worldwide.
The project aims to optimise the process of reducing lead in tap water by identifying the least soluble minerals. Researchers will investigate water from various sources and work on-site at Yorkshire Water treatment plants.
A new analysis by ACS researchers suggests that up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness may be caused by contaminated drinking water distribution systems in the US. Aging infrastructure and lack of funding pose significant health risks, particularly for small systems.
Research from the University of East Anglia shows that nearly half of UK private water supplies are contaminated, putting under-10s at almost five times higher risk of stomach infections. Children in these households suffer around five bouts of sickness or diarrhoea per year, a rate similar to developing countries.
A study by geoscientists found that human pumping of groundwater poses a greater threat to coastal drinking water than climate change. Most coastal aquifers are relatively unaffected by rising sea levels, but human activity is causing concerns.
According to a new study, over 1/3 US counties face 'high' or 'extreme' risk of water shortages due to climate change. The American Chemical Society reports that 412 counties in southern and southwestern states may experience extreme water shortages by 2050.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $2.7 million to study seven river basins in the western US, focusing on adaptation strategies for water supply and demand imbalances. Eight water delivery systems will also receive funding to improve water efficiency and operations.
A recent study found that metal and concrete tile roofs produce the highest quality rainwater for indoor domestic use, while asphalt and green roofs contain high levels of dissolved organic carbon. The research highlights the importance of considering roofing material when harvesting rainwater for potable use.
A new ACS podcast analysis concludes that birth control pills account for less than 1% of estrogens found in US drinking water. The main source of estrogen is instead from natural sources like animal waste and industrial production.
ASU professors Patricia Gober and Craig Kirkwood assess the impact of climate change on water shortages in Phoenix. Their study provides options for solutions, including changing landscape type, limiting pools, and investing in leak fixes. By embracing uncertainty, residents can reduce risk and protect themselves from water scarcity.
Scientists analyzed studies on estrogen in drinking water and found most estrogens come from natural sources such as soy, dairy, and animal waste, not birth control pills. Researchers concluded that the pill accounts for less than 1% of estrogens in drinking water supplies.
The global burden of disease associated with poor hygiene, sanitation, and water supply is substantial, accounting for nearly 20% of all child deaths worldwide. Four papers in the PLOS Medicine series highlight the need for urgent action to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hand-washing practices.
A recent study by Innsbruck glaciologists and climatologists reveals regional differences in the contribution of glaciers to water supply, with high-mountain communities dependent on glacier melt but relatively low population density. The research highlights the need for a differentiated discussion on climate change's impact on water a...
According to a recent study by New Mexico State University, Santa Fe residents prefer high desert plants in their landscapes due to their ability to conserve water. The survey found that nearly all respondents would adopt these plants for front yard landscaping and were satisfied with their existing desert plant choices.
A new Pacific Institute report identifies key actions for California to conserve a million acre-feet of water through improved efficiency in the urban and agricultural sectors. The analysis finds that upfront investments of less than $1.9 billion can yield significant savings, while also conserving energy and reducing costs.
A new study finds that hand washing can significantly reduce fecal bacteria contamination in stored drinking water, which is crucial for households with limited access to municipal water supply systems. The research discovered nearly 100 times more fecal bacteria in stored water compared to its source in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A study found that quaternary amines in household cleaning products can form NDMA when mixed with chloramine. This process is of concern to health officials as sewage treatment plants may not remove all these precursors, potentially leading to environmental contamination.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study reveals that private drinking water supplies are often contaminated, with outbreaks occurring at a rate 35 times higher than in public systems. The government must provide better resources and education to ensure safe drinking water for Canadians.
Advances in nanotechnology can help the Arab region overcome development challenges by enhancing desalination efficiency, improving solar panel capacity, and boosting agricultural output. However, strong commitment to training scientists is crucial for addressing human resource issues.
Climate scientists suggest that Himalayan heat and moisture are crucial for the South Asian monsoon. The research implies that changes in land use over the Indian subcontinent could influence albedo and moisture levels.
A research project aims to produce a computer model for water managers to reduce energy consumption while meeting increased demand for water. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, will help address water scarcity issues in regions like Arizona, where population growth and drought are exacerbating the problem.