The Stream, November 14: Bombings of Colombian Pipeline Cause Water Contamination

The Global Rundown

Three bombings hit the Cano Limon pipeline in Colombia, polluting several waterways. A study shows that none of the wet wipes deemed “flushable” in the United Kingdom break down properly, causing sewer blockages. A government report names “failures and possible crimes” as the reason behind an illegal release of untreated water by an alumina refinery in Para, Brazil. Power prices rise across Europe due to ongoing dry weather. Farmers in Zimbabwe call for help to combat impending drought.

“We cannot do irrigation, we do not have the money to set up the irrigation system, the money to buy pipes, for electricity, we do not have the money.” –Tsitsi Marjorie Makaya, a farmer in Zimbabwe, in reference to the lack of irrigation in the country. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warned that drought is possible in Zimbabwe, prompting farmers to call for help in improving irrigation. Voice of America

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

What’s Up With Water – November 12, 2018 – “What’s Up With Water” condenses the need-to-know news on the world’s water into a weekly snapshot. Coverage this week includes: Last month’s water tanker strike in Chennai, India, and an environmental lawsuit in Ecuador.

HotSpots H2O, November 12: Three-Day Tanker Strike Reveals Water Tensions in Chennai, India – Prompted by a court ruling restricting their access to groundwater, private water tankers in Chennai went on strike in October, a move that impacted thousands of businesses and homes.

By The Numbers

80 percent Proportion of sewer blockages in the United Kingdom that are caused by wet wipes. According to a study by the BBC, none of the wet wipes sold in the UK, even those labeled “flushable” by manufacturers, disintegrate properly in sewer systems. The UK spends £100m ($130m) each year on sewage blockages. BBC

82 Times that the 485-mile Cano Limon oil pipeline in northeastern Colombia has been bombed this year. Three new bombings, reportedly perpetrated by a rebel group in the country, recently caused contamination in several waterways. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Dry conditions are impacting various power supplies across Europe. In Germany and elsewhere, low river levels are complicating the transportation of coal to coal-fired plants. Below-average water levels have also forced France to decrease production at some nuclear stations. Meteorologists predict the problems could be ongoing, with a weather pattern forecast to block rain in the region this month. Bloomberg

On The Radar

A recent report by a special Brazilian commission named “failures and possible crimes” as the reason behind an illegal release of untreated water by Alunorte, an alumina refinery in Para, Brazil. The unlicensed emission, which possibly involved an overflow of bauxite waste, has been a contentious issue since its occurrence in February. Reuters

Kayla Ritter

Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter