The Stream, February 23: Peru Oil Spill Contaminates Rivers

The Global Rundown

Oil spills from a pipeline in Peru have contaminated two rivers in the Amazon region. A severe drought in Thailand has created water shortages at some hospitals. Officials estimate it could take two weeks to fully restore New Delhi’s water supplies. Global sea level rise could top 130 centimeters by the end of the century, new studies predict. Nairobi, Kenya plans to install water ATMs to serve residents of the city’s informal settlements.

“We have focused on the provinces hit by the severe drought. We want to ensure that all hospitals in risk areas are ready for the water management plan which aims to produce enough clean water for medical services.” –Sophon Mekthon, permanent secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, on water shortages that are affecting hospitals in the northern region of the country. (Bangkok Post)

By The Numbers

2 weeks Time it will take to fully restore water supplies to New Delhi after protesters captured and damaged a major canal over the weekend. Times of India 3,000 barrels Amount of crude oil that spilled from a pipeline in the Amazon region of northern Peru, polluting two rivers that indigenous communities rely on for water. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Sea levels around the world could rise between 28 and 131 centimeters by the end of the century, according to studies published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Sea levels rose during the 20th century at a rate nearly four times as fast as during previous centuries. Associated Press

On The Radar

The Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company, the water utility for Kenya’s capital, plans to install 1,200 water ATMs in the city’s slums over the next two years, according to company officials. The initiative aims to provide affordable water supplies to residents who are currently forced to buy supplies from water cartels. 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