High and dry: Federal budget 2024 misses the mark on water-related investments

The Conversation – Canada

Across the country, Canadians are worried as they look ahead to summer. Forest fires in British Columbia are expected to begin earlier and last longer this year and severe multi-year droughts are forecast for the Prairies. Other Canadians are also bracing themselves for — or are already experiencing — extreme flood conditions. Click here to continue reading

Compare and contrast: Removing PFAS from public water systems will cost billions and take time – here are ways you can filter out harmful ‘forever chemicals’ at home

The Conversation – Africa

Chemists invented PFAS in the 1930s to make life easier: Nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, grease-resistant food packaging and stain-resistant carpet were all made possible by PFAS. But in recent years, the growing number of health risks found to be connected to these chemicals has become increasingly alarming. PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are now either suspected or known to contribute to thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, liver damage and cancer, among other health issues. Click here to continue reading

Compare and contrast: Workers attempt to repair a water main break in Jackson, Miss.

The Conversation

Climate change is threatening America’s water infrastructure as intensifying storms deluge communities and droughts dry up freshwater supplies in regions that aren’t prepared. Click here to continue reading

Compare and contrast: Zimbabwe: El Niño drought causes major drop in Lake Kariba levels – a disaster for people and wildlife

The Conversation – Africa

Water levels at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe have dropped dramatically because of the latest El Niño drought. The country’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has declared a national disaster. Historian and social scientist Joshua Matanzima grew up at Lake Kariba and has spent the past 10 years researching socioeconomic life there. He discusses the impact of the latest drought on the people of the area. Click here to continue reading

Compare and contrast: Angry farmers in a once-lush Mexican state target avocado orchards that suck up too much water

Toronto Star

As a drought in Mexico drags on, angry subsistence farmers have begun taking direct action on thirsty avocado orchards and berry fields of commercial farms that are drying up streams in the mountains west of Mexico City. Click here to continue reading

For First Nations in Alberta, drought only compounds existing water issues

CBC

It’s a reality faced by many First Nations in Alberta, even without the drought — limited access to safe drinking water due to a variety of factors, including lack of funding, infrastructure or source water protection, while caught in jurisdictional tension between the federal and provincial government. The situation is one of the legacies of colonialism. Click here to continue reading

Drought concern prompts water cap on Kelowna farmers

Global News

Concerns about water supply are coming to a head in Kelowna, as the city is putting a cap on water usage this summer for local farmers. As Jayden Wasney reports, some local cherry farmers fear this could decimate their already endangered crops. Click here to continue reading

Compare and contrast: After Zerodha founder’s bold suggestion on Bengaluru water crisis, 300 phone calls in a day and a big debate

Economic Times

“I believe decentralized solutions that upgrade residential STP (sewage treatment plants) discharge could be the next frontier. It’s an opportunity to close the loop on our water cycle. The water crisis is a wake-up call to reimagine how we manage every drop. Initiatives that transform wastewater from a liability into a resource hold immense promise for sustainable urban water security.”. Click here to continue reading

Taps turned off for those who defy watering rules: Merritt mayor

CBC

The whole point is to make sure there’s water later in the season, when things could be more dire. “It’s really simple. If you don’t have water, you don’t have a town. It’s that simple. It’s over.”. Click here to continue reading

Water restrictions mean no top-ups for Calgary’s manmade lakes starting June 1

CityNews Calgary

“We are a closed system at Lake Sundance, so we are not directly connected to any of the local rivers or tributaries,” she said. “Yes, drought would affect our lake levels, because we’re just the same as the province with precipitation and not seeing the snowfall and rainfall we were hoping to.”. Click here to continue reading