The Stream, July 23, 2019: U.S. Senator Kamala Harris Proposes $220bn Clean Drinking Water Bill

The Global Rundown

U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Kamala Harris proposes a bill to improve drinking water across the country. Drought-hit France requests $1.1 billion in farmer subsidies from the European Commission. A boil water advisory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is lifted after three days. The price of water continues to climb in Chennai, India. Farmers in Thailand are asked to delay rice planting due to dry conditions.

“Human consumption must be prioritized first.” –Sanya Sangpumpong, a member of Thailand’s irrigation department, in reference to water shortages in the country. The government has asked farmers to delay rice planting to ensure that households have enough water for the duration of the drought. Reuters

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By The Numbers

1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) Amount that France requested in subsidies from the European Commission to aid the country’s drought-stricken farmers. Unusually hot temperatures, followed by dry weather, are withering France’s crops and pastures. Water use is now restricted in 73 of the country’s administrative departments, up from 61 last week. Reuters

In context: HotSpots H2O: France Endures Hottest Day on Record as Heatwave Parches Europe.

3 days Length of time that large parts of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were under a boil water advisory after a work crew damaged a major water main on Thursday. As of Sunday night, the advisory has been lifted for the majority of the city. CBS 12 News

Science, Studies, and Reports

On Monday, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Kamala Harris introduced the “Water Justice Act,” a sweeping bill aimed at improving countrywide access to safe drinking water, especially in at-risk communities. The $220 billion initiative would involve declaring a drinking water infrastructure emergency, and allocating funds toward various clean drinking water programs. PBS Newshour

On the Radar

The drought in Chennai, India, continues with no end in sight. A growing majority of residents are relying on pricey trucked-in water, and many businesses are shut down until conditions improve, leaving tens of thousands of people without jobs. Tanker truck drivers report that violence toward them is becoming increasingly common. South China Morning Post

In context: Reservoirs in Parched Chennai, City of Millions, Are Dry. Can Better Forecasting Avert Future Crises?

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