The Stream, August 18: Lake Mead Forecast Should Avoid Water Cuts

The Global Rundown

Forecast water levels in Lake Mead mean that states that depend on the reservoir should avoid water cuts next year. Cuba placed its civil defense on alert due to drought, a drought in Alberta prompted officials to restrict water withdrawals from the Athabasca River, and low water levels in Lake Kariba will cut power to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Humanitarian conditions, including water access, are deteriorating in Syria. Dry cleaners pose risks to Israel’s water.

“I saw the effects of yet more cuts to the water supply in parts of Damascus from those who are on the other side of the argument. It is clear to me that those cutting water supplies as a weapon of war, it is unacceptable.”–Stephen O’Brien, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs for the United Nations, on the deteriorating situation in Syria. The aid chief called for greater humanitarian access in the country. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

328.5 meters Level of Lake Mead, which regulators say will probably receive enough water this winter to avoid triggering water cuts to states over the next few years. Associated Press

27 percent Cut in the amount of water released through the hydropower station on Lake Kariba, which is currently 41 percent full. The reservoir provides power to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Bloomberg

Science, Studies, And Reports

Nearly 200 dry cleaners in Israel pose risks to soil and water, according to a report for the country’s water authority. Twenty-eight dry cleaners near water drilling sites and coastal aquifers were considered high risk, and the report noted that enforcement of environmental regulations was poor. Haaretz

On The Radar

Cuba issued an alert for its civil defense system due to a drought that is damaging crops and reducing public water supplies. Water rationing is already occurring in some cities. Reuters

A drought in Alberta prompted officials to restrict oil and gas industry requests to withdraw water from the Athabasca River. Water flows in the river are nearly half what is required for healthy ecosystems, according to the province’s environment ministry. 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