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Raising Shasta Dam Is an Even Worse Idea Than We Knew

Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi
The Trump Administration’s efforts to enlarge Shasta Dam was always a bad idea. In addition to being illegal under California law, it’s been clear for years that raising the height of the dam would destroy Native American sacred sites, harm…

Can I Use Water Sampling to Identify a Lead Service Line?

Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

If you are trying to find out if you have a lead service line and you are comfortable with uncertainty and do not want to dig up your yard, water sampling can provide an alternative but less conclusive approach for…

NYS to Cut PFOA/PFOS "Forever Chemicals" from Drinking Water

Expert BlogNew York, United StatesEric A. Goldstein

Public water suppliers across New York State will be required to test for and ultimately slash harmful levels of the synthetic organic chemicals PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, according to new rules just adopted by State Health officials.

Let's Protect Millions of Kids from Lead-Tainted Water!

Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson
Millions of kids drink water from lead service lines—it's like drinking from a lead straw! The House of Representatives could provide $22.5 billion to fund removal of these pipes through the Tlaib/Kildee/Slotkin Amendment to the Moving Forward Act (H.R.2).

COVID In Context: Lead in the Water

Expert BlogUnited StatesKristi Pullen Fedinick
The COVID crisis has placed even greater emphasis on the environmental injustice that is pervasive in many communities. When noxious air, polluted soil, and/or poisoned water mix with COVID-19, the compounded cost can be greater than just a sum of…

Data Show Millions at Risk of Water Shutoffs During COVID-19

Expert BlogUnited StatesJoan Leary Matthews, Larry Levine

To protect ourselves from the coronavirus, health officials repeatedly tell us to “wash our hands.” Many people can do that, but if you don’t have water in your home because it has been shut off by the water utility, you…

COVID 4 Stimulus Bill Must Recognize: Water Is Life

Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson
None of us can wash our hands, bathe, or clean and disinfect our homes as recommended by CDC without safe running water. Yet despite living under stay-at-home orders, staggering numbers of Americans have had their water shut off due to…

Toledo’s Blooming Algae Crisis

DispatchToledoJodi Helmer

A toxic algae outbreak that left Toledo without drinking water for several days in 2014 served as a wakeup call for responsible farming in the region. Efforts have been made to prevent algae blooms in Lake Erie, but a changing…

Wilmington’s Battle With GenX, a Dangerous Teflon Chemical

DispatchNorth CarolinaJodi Helmer

A toxic chemical discovered in the drinking water system serving communities along North Carolina’s Cape Fear River raised the alarm about contamination from the nearby Chemours chemical plant. Although levels of GenX, used to make nonstick products, have receded, the…

Getting the Lead Out of Yonkers Schools

DispatchYonkers, New YorkNicole Greenfield

When New York State pulled back the curtain on its school lead problem, Yonkers stood out as one of the worst performers.