The Stream, January 31: Florida Governor Announces $625m for Water Projects Funding

The Global Rundown

Florida governor Ron DeSantis announces $625 million in funding for water projects. Officials warn that a deadly dam collapse in Brazil could contaminate the water supply of up to five Brazilian states. Thousands of flamingo chicks at Kamfers Dam, South Africa, are at risk of dehydration and starvation due to drought. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the country’s second-largest city, begins water rationing due to low reservoir levels. Farmers in Nepal incorporate the system of rice intensification (SRI), to cut water use and boost yields.

“I’ve seen estimates of about 25 percent reductions in water consumption, all the way to 50 or 60 percent reductions in water consumption.” –Sonali McDermi, in reference to the SRI method of rice planting, which involves practices like planting fewer seedlings and using less water. The method is being adopted by several Nepalese farmers, who have reported improved yields. NPR

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With Water Leasing Vote, Colorado River Indian Tribes Will Seek Consequential Legal Change — Being allowed to move water off the reservation will greatly expand the market for water in Arizona.

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By The Numbers

$625 million Amount of funding that new Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced for water resources projects in the state. The funding will be used on Everglades and springwater restoration, water-quality improvement, and other water supply developments. Naples Daily News

2,000 Lesser flamingo chicks that are being cared for in rescue centers in South Africa after drought in the Kamfers Dam threatened the young birds. The dam is one of three breeding grounds for the birds in Southern Africa, but low water levels are leaving chicks at risk of dehydration and starvation. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Zimbabwe’s second-largest city announced that it will implement water restrictions due to falling reservoir levels. Rationing in Bulawayo will begin with 36-hour cuts each week, and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Bloomberg

On The Radar

A collapsed dam in southeast Brazil unleashed a wave of mining sludge last Friday near the town of Brumadinho. The muddy waste, which contains high concentrations of iron oxide, is moving down a small river toward the larger Sao Francisco River, which provides drinking water to five Brazilian states. Officials are rushing to contain the polluted water before it reaches the São Francisco. CBS News  

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