The Stream, September 30, 2021: Agricultural Practices Do Not Follow EU Water Directives, New Report Says

YOUR GLOBAL RUNDOWN

• A new report finds that agricultural policies throughout the European Union do not align with water directives.
• New rice varieties in India could slash water use in half.
• Toledo, Ohio, announces a water debt forgiveness program.
• Power outages in China threaten one province’s water supply.

A proposed mining project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could harm water quality along a sacred Native American river.

“This place is at the center of who we are as a people and it’s being forcefully taken from us.” – Guy Reiter, a member of the Menominee Nation. A proposed open-pit sulfide mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could harm water quality along the Menominee River, the Green Bay Press Gazette reports. Earlier this year, a Michigan judge denied a wetland permit submitted by the company behind the project. Now, a company called Great Lakes Exploration, Inc. is asking the state for mining rights within Menominee County. A virtual public hearing on the matter is set to be scheduled later this year.

IN RECENT WATER NEWS

In Case You Missed It:

As Drought Grips American West, Irrigation Becomes Selling Point for Michigan – Michigan farmers irrigate with 187 billion gallons of groundwater a year. Is the state prepared for more?

What’s Up With Water – September 27, 2021 – This week’s episode covers a new study out of India that finds that arsenic from irrigation water is entering the country’s food chain, unanswered questions after a toxic wastewater spill from one of the world’s largest diamond mines in southern Africa, and conservation data released last week that finds California residents are barely conserving water.

New EU Report Explores Sustainable Water Use In Agriculture

A new audit from the European Court of Auditors found that agricultural policies at both the European Union (EU) and Member State level do not always follow EU water policies. The report includes recommendations to the European Commission, including linking common agricultural policy payments to environmental water standards and ensuring that EU-funded projects aim to achieve the objectives of the Water Framework Directive, a major water quality initiative.

TODAY’S TOP WATER STORIES, TOLD IN NUMBERS

60 PERCENT

New rice varieties in India could cut water use by up to 60 percent, according to farmers and government officials. Although the new rice varieties also cut down on farm labor, Reuters reports that water conservation is likely the main attraction for Indian farmers, who rely heavily on monsoon rains.

$200

The city of Toledo, Ohio, announced a debt forgiveness program for residents with overdue water bills. WTOL11 reports that to qualify for the program, Toledo residents must have past due charges of at least $200 prior to October 1 and requires program participants to pay all new charges after enrollment.

• In context: Millions of Americans Are In Water Debt

ON THE RADAR

Continued power outages in northeastern China have shut off lights in millions of homes and triggered factory shutdowns. Now, electricity cuts could disrupt water supplies in the province of Jilin, Al Jazeera reports. The electricity shortages can be blamed on disruptions to coal supplies due to the pandemic as well as trade conflicts with Australia.

Jane Johnston

Jane is a Communications Associate for Circle of Blue. She writes The Stream and has covered domestic and international water issues for Circle of Blue. She is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she studied Multimedia Journalism and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. During her time at Grand Valley, she was the host of the Community Service Learning Center podcast Be the Change. Currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jane enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time outdoors.