Welcome to the Water Report Blog
While The Water Report publication provides in-depth analysis, we also offer curated summaries of the hot topics, emerging trends, and opportunities you need to know about empowering you to tackle today's complex water issues with the most up-to-date information.
Bacteria Found to Degrade “Forever Chemicals”
A recent study by researchers at the University at Buffalo has identified a bacterial strain capable of breaking down certain “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS). PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment due to the strong carbon-fluorine bond. These chemicals are widely used in…
Read MoreExploring the Potential and Challenges of Cloud Seeding for Precipitation Enhancement
Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique that has been in use for over eight decades, is gaining renewed attention as a possible method for increasing precipitation to address rising water demand and intensifying drought conditions across the United States. By introducing tiny particles, typically silver iodide, into clouds, this technique aims to encourage rain or…
Read MoreUSGS Launches National Water Availability Assessment
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has released the National Water Availability Assessment, a groundbreaking study offering an overview of the balance between water supply and demand across the lower 48 states. The report highlights that nearly 30 million people reside in areas where surface water supplies are insufficient for their needs, revealing significant water limitations…
Read MoreNew Study Reveals Groundwater’s Long Journey and Its Impact on Streamflow
A recent study has provided groundbreaking insights into the movement of groundwater, revealing that underground water can travel vast distances and remain hidden for much longer periods than previously understood. Researchers from Princeton University and the University of Arizona have conducted a high-resolution simulation that traces the journey of rainwater or snowmelt as it seeps…
Read MoreArizona’s Tribal Water Rights Settlement Stalls in Congress
A landmark bill aimed at securing water rights for the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribes in northeastern Arizona failed to pass Congress before the end of the year. The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, a decades-long effort, faced opposition from other Colorado River Basin states, despite widespread support from tribal…
Read MoreTucson’s Bold Move: Turning Wastewater into a Valuable Resource
The City of Tucson, located in southern Arizona, is taking a significant step towards water sustainability by moving forward with plans to build its first advanced wastewater treatment facility. This ambitious project aims to reduce reliance on the Colorado River by converting wastewater into drinking water through advanced purification methods. Tucson City Council has approved…
Read MoreProtecting the Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog: A Call for Public Comment
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate critical habitat for four populations of foothill yellow-legged frog in California. The foothill yellow-legged frog is a threatened amphibian that has declined due to habitat loss and degradation. The proposed critical habitat would include land along streams and other water bodies inhabited by the frog,…
Read MoreBrackish Water Desalination Plant Nears Completion
The City of Antioch is nearing the completion of a nearly $100 million brackish water desalination plant, expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2025. This project aims to enhance the City’s water supply reliability by treating brackish water sourced from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, addressing the challenges posed by increasing salinity…
Read MoreAddressing Tijuana River Pollution
The Tijuana River Valley has faced ongoing challenges due to pollution stemming from untreated wastewater and significant debris flows originating in Mexico. Recent developments indicate a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades: Senator Padilla and the San Diego Congressional delegation secured a significant allocation of $250 million for the International…
Read More