Entries by Kayla Ritter

The Stream, April 24, 2020: California’s Imperial District Quarrels as Shrinking Salton Sea Spews Toxic Dust

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The Global Rundown Tensions rise in California’s Imperial Irrigation District as toxic dust taints the air around the shrinking Salton Sea. Stagnant water in the plumbing of buildings that have been temporarily shuttered by the coronavirus could pose health risks later on, experts warn. Ethiopia is set to begin filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam […]

The Stream, April 23, 2020: Snowpack Could Become an Unreliable Predictor of Drought in Western U.S., Study Warns

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The Global Rundown A new study claims that winter snowpack will become an increasingly worse predictor of drought in the western United States. An earthquake that struck the capital of Croatia last month caused an estimated $6 billion in damages, much of it to water infrastructure. Heavy flooding along the Mulongwe river in the Democratic […]

The Stream, April 22, 2020: Brazil’s Most Populous Indigenous Reserve Hit by Daily Water Interruptions

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The Global Rundown Amid the coronavirus pandemic, water interruptions plague residents of Brazil’s most heavily-populated indigenous reserve. Rescuers in Kenya search for survivors after torrential rain triggered a fatal landslide. The World Food Programme warns that the Covid-19 crisis is intensifying food shortages for millions of people worldwide. A new report suggests that the number […]

The Stream, April 21, 2020: Las Vegas Drops Plan to Pump Water from Rural Areas

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The Global Rundown Las Vegas, Nevada, abandons plans to pump water from rural parts of the state. Heavy rainfall causes flash floods and landslides in western Kenya, possibly leaving several people dead. A shortage of carbon dioxide gas, which is used in water treatment, may affect U.S. water supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic. In Detroit, […]

HotSpots H2O: Lower Mekong Nations Seek Greater Cooperation from China Following Recent Study

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Delicate discussions over the future of the imperiled Mekong River could be further complicated by the findings of a new study, which claims that China withheld water from drought-hit downstream nations last year.

The Stream, April 17, 2020: Drought in U.S. Southwest Among Worst “Megadroughts” in Past 1,200 Years, Study Finds

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The Global Rundown Drought in the southwest United States is on par with the worst drought experienced in the region over the past 1,200 years, a new study says. Disaster experts warn that several Asian nations will likely be forced to combat both extreme water and the Covid-19 pandemic in coming months. Deforestation and climate […]

The Stream, April 16, 2020: Average Monsoon Rains Expected in India in 2020

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The Global Rundown Meteorologists predict average monsoon rainfall for India in 2020. Organizations working to protect the Mekong River request greater transparency from China following a recent report alleging that China withheld water from drought-hit downstream nations last year. Florida argues against a judge’s recommendation that a water rights debate with Georgia be dismissed from […]

The Stream, April 15, 2020: Plans for Pipeline Connecting Flint to Emergency Water Source Put on Hold

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The Global Rundown Plans for a pipeline between Flint and its emergency water source stall. Portugal’s impoverished Roma communities are among the global populations struggling with water access during the coronavirus pandemic. Satellite imagery shows the steep decline of one of Chile’s key reservoirs. Several thousands gallons of water spill from the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline […]

The Stream, April 14, 2020: China Withheld Mekong River Water from Drought-Hit Downstream Nations, Study States

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The Global Rundown New research by a U.S.-based company states that China withheld Mekong river water from downstream nations last year despite drought conditions. April rainfall eases drought in California, while dry conditions intensify in Florida. Communities along the Missouri River fear spring flooding reminiscent of last year’s deluge. Zimbabwe works to improve cultural acceptance […]

HotSpots H2O: Water Cuts for Millions in Tripoli as Libya Coronavirus Caseload Rises

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Unrelenting conflict is hindering Libya’s efforts to combat the new coronavirus.

The Stream, April 10, 2020: U.S. Cities Violate Flood Protection Laws and Face Few Penalties, Analysis Finds

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The Global Rundown Local governments around the U.S. frequently violate federal flood protection rules, usually without penalties, a new analysis finds. Low water levels in Argentina’s Parana River force grain exporters to lighten their shipments. New Jersey places enhanced stream protections on 600 miles of waterways. Wisconsin braces as parts of the Mississippi River reach […]

The Stream, April 9, 2020: Arizona Utilities Deliberate Ways to Collect Unpaid Bills Once Covid-19 Crisis Ends

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The Global Rundown Cities in Arizona that have temporarily suspended water shutoffs due to Covid-19 wrestle with how to handle unpaid water bills once the pandemic has ended. Drought threatens crops in Europe that were disrupted earlier in the year by excessive rainfall. Cyclone Harold plows through Fiji, destroying homes and flooding towns. Satellite data […]