The Stream, December 1: United Kingdom Outstanding Water Charges Reach Record High

The Global Rundown

Water utilities in the United Kingdom are owed more than ever before, with outstanding charges reaching more than $US 3 billion. Mexico’s state oil company announced plans to jointly invest millions in water storage and treatment projects, and a U.S. federal judge ordered a part-owner of the oil well involved in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to pay a fine. A First Nation community in Alberta is suing a coal company over a wastewater spill into the Athabasca River. The United Nations is launching a new initiative to help poor communities around the world prepare for climate change.

“As climate impacts increase, we will see greater disruption to economies and international security. It is imperative that we strengthen resilience and build adaptive capacity, especially in small island developing states, the least-developed countries and most African nations.”–United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, announcing a new initiative to help poor communities prepare for climate-related disasters and reduce their level of risk. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

$800 million Amount Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, and London-based Global Water Development Partners agreed to invest in water storage and treatment projects at Pemex oil sites. Reuters

$160 million Fine a U.S. federal judge ordered Anadarko Petroleum Corporation to pay under the Clean Water Act because it was a part owner of the oil well involved in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Bloomberg

Science, Studies, And Reports

Customers in the United Kingdom owe a record $US 3.1 billion in outstanding water bills, a 17 percent increase from 2010, according to figures released by Ofwat, the agency that regulates the UK’s water and sewage utilities. The report found that those living alone and single parents were struggling the most with water bills. Guardian

On The Radar

The Fort McMurray First Nation in Alberta, Canada, is suing the coal company behind a 2013 wastewater spill from the Obed Mountain Mine into the Athabasca River. The lawsuit, which asks for $US 12 million, argues the spill released mercury, lead, and selenium that have inhibited hunting and fishing in the area. Edmonton Journal

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