The Stream, April 18: Chile Floods Leave Millions Without Water

The Global Rundown

Floods in Chile’s capital have contaminated water supplies for millions of residents. China must do more to build trust in the Mekong River basin, according to water experts. A state panel recommended that Michigan lower its threshold for action on lead levels in public water systems. Hundreds of people in Spain were sickened by bottled water. Officials in the Philippines assured residents of Manila that water supplies will remain available despite a deep drought.

“There has been criticism of China’s control of water resources in the Mekong countries long ­before this year’s drought.” –Zhang Mingliang, associate professor at the ­Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at Jinan University, on the mistrust China faces in the Mekong River basin despite efforts to release water downstream this year. (South China Morning Post)

By The Numbers

4.5 million people Number in Santiago, Chile’s capital, who do not have water service following severe floods. Thousands are also without power, and mines were forced to close. Associated Press

678 people Number in Spain’s Catalonia region who have been sickened with gastroenteritis. Authorities believe the outbreak is linked to bottled water. Associated Press

Science, Studies, And Reports

Michigan should require officials to act if lead levels in public water systems reach 10 parts per billion, according to a state committee set up to analyze a lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint. Federal rules only require action at 15 parts per billion, which is higher than World Health Organization recommendations. Reuters

On The Radar

Despite high levels of evaporation from a major water reservoir, the Philippine capital of Manila will have enough water for residents, officials said. An El Nino-linked drought has drawn down water supplies at the Angat Dam, which provides 90 percent of the city’s water. PhilStar

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

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