Tag

Water Quality

All articles tagged with #water quality

Cancer Takes Center Stage in Iowa’s Midterms, Framing a Fight Over Farming and Water Quality
politics9 days ago

Cancer Takes Center Stage in Iowa’s Midterms, Framing a Fight Over Farming and Water Quality

Iowa’s rising cancer rates—now the top issue for voters—have become a central campaign theme in the midterms, with Republicans and Democrats vying to show how to curb pollution from farming (fertilizer runoff, Cafos) and improve water quality and radon safety; candidates propose varied policy changes, while grassroots farmer groups push for broader farming reforms, underscoring that solving the health crisis will require long-term, systemic action beyond a single election.

Utah Faces Annual Cyclospora Contamination in Summer Produce
health18 days ago

Utah Faces Annual Cyclospora Contamination in Summer Produce

Utah has 48 cyclosporiasis cases since May, none linked to the current outbreak, illustrating a yearly pattern as Cyclospora thrives in warmer months. Contamination likely enters produce through contaminated water or waste, including sewage leaks, field runoff, or worker-related issues. Chlorine doesn’t remove Cyclospora, so emphasis remains on upstream water safety and farm practices; Utah farmers are increasingly adopting produce-safety measures and can seek guidance from Utah State University Extension and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

Nitrates in Tap Water Put 1 in 5 Americans at Risk, New Report Finds
health4 months ago

Nitrates in Tap Water Put 1 in 5 Americans at Risk, New Report Finds

EWG’s 2021–2023 analysis of nearly 50,000 public water systems finds about 62 million Americans (roughly 1 in 5) may drink tap water with nitrate levels linked to health risks; millions exceed 3 mg/L and thousands exceed 5 mg/L, with some wells reaching much higher levels. Nitrates largely come from agricultural fertilizers and manure, and private wells aren’t covered by EPA rules. Mitigation includes home reverse-osmosis filters, but tighter regulations and consumer awareness are urged, as bottled water is not a guaranteed fix.

Parkinson’s risk linked to groundwater source and age, new study finds
health5 months ago

Parkinson’s risk linked to groundwater source and age, new study finds

A large US study linked Parkinson’s disease risk to where and how people get their drinking water. People drinking from carbonate aquifers had a 24% higher PD risk than those using other aquifers and a 62% higher risk than those drinking from glacial aquifers. Newer groundwater (past 75 years) in carbonate systems was tied to about 11% higher risk than older water. The study analyzed 12,370 people with PD and over 1.2 million without, all within 3 miles of groundwater sampling across 21 major US aquifers, and noted limitations like assuming uniform aquifer characteristics within radius. Carbonate aquifers are common in the Midwest, South, and Florida, while glacial aquifers are more in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. The findings suggest groundwater age and source may influence long-term neurological health, warranting further research.

Remnants of Sewage Surface as DC Water Plans Nine‑Month Potomac Pipe Repair
local6 months ago

Remnants of Sewage Surface as DC Water Plans Nine‑Month Potomac Pipe Repair

A large sewer pipe collapse near I-495 and Clara Barton Parkway caused hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage to spill into the Potomac, leaving sewage remnants on land and in the water. DC Water says repairs will take about nine months, using bypasses to the C&O Canal and Potomac Interceptor, while state and local officials monitor water quality and public health risks across the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

Shark attack in Sydney Harbour ends a 12-year-old's life
world7 months ago

Shark attack in Sydney Harbour ends a 12-year-old's life

A 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, died from injuries after a shark bit him in Sydney Harbour last week as he and friends jumped into the water from a rock in Vaucluse. Heavy rains made the harbor water murky, which officials say is linked to increased shark activity. The incident follows several other shark encounters in the area, prompting beach closures and warnings to avoid swimming in harbor waters amid concerns over rising shark activity and changing migratory patterns.

Congress Advances Legislation to Secure US Air Travel and Safety
transportation8 months ago

Congress Advances Legislation to Secure US Air Travel and Safety

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved multiple bills, including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act to protect the air traffic control system during government shutdowns, and legislation to modernize aviation, improve water quality, and relocate the FBI headquarters, among other initiatives.

Chicago River Hosts Its First Public Swim in Nearly a Century
environment11 months ago

Chicago River Hosts Its First Public Swim in Nearly a Century

Over 250 swimmers participated in the first open-river swim in nearly a century in Chicago, marking a milestone in the river's recovery from pollution, supported by water quality testing showing safe conditions and investments in environmental cleanup, symbolizing Chicago's commitment to making its waterways swimmable and recreational again.

OKANA Resort Water Park Lagoon Temporarily Closes After Inspection Failure
health11 months ago

OKANA Resort Water Park Lagoon Temporarily Closes After Inspection Failure

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department is investigating water quality concerns at OKANA Resort's waterpark after a failed inspection revealed zero chlorine levels, which was temporarily corrected. The resort emphasizes its commitment to safety, with frequent water testing and adherence to safety standards, while authorities assess the situation to ensure public health.