The Stream, December 29: UK Flood Costs Top $7 Billion

The Global Rundown

Winter floods in the United Kingdom are expected to cost billions of dollars, while high water levels on the Mississippi River are slowing barge traffic. Water levels on Lake Baikal could reach record lows this April. Warmer water temperatures due to climate change could increase toxic algae along Florida’s coasts. Corrosion control measures should have been in place in Flint, Michigan before the city switched water sources, according to the state auditor general.

“What’s clear is that corrosion control should have been used and there are serious failings in our system that must be addressed. Between the FOIA emails released recently and these findings, it’s obvious that legislative oversight is the best way to see how all of these pieces fit together. I expect holding hearings to be high on the agenda when the Legislature returns.” –Michigan Senator Jim Ananich, on a report by the Michigan Auditor General that said corrosion control measures should have been implemented in Flint when the city’s water source was switched to the Flint River. The city has since struggled with high levels of lead in its drinking water. (MLive)

13.7 meters Height of the Mississippi River expected on Thursday, the second highest level ever recorded. Flood waters are slowing barge traffic on the river. Reuters

$7.4 billion Estimated cost of severe floods in the United Kingdom this winter, where many homes and businesses lack adequate flood insurance. Guardian

By The Numbers

Science, Studies, And Reports

A toxin produced by algae along the Florida coast is expected to become more prevalent due to climate change, according to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Warmer water temperatures could increase the production of the toxin Ciguatera, the report said. 10 News

On The Radar

Water levels in Lake Baikal, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, could drop 22 to 30 centimeters below the minimum average set by the Russian government next April. That would mean water levels in the lake would reach a record low. Bloomberg

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek