Water & Drinking Water
13 storiesReporting includes water-quality alerts, system explainers, infrastructure updates and testing or contamination guides. Stories identify the affected system, responsible agency, verified risk and practical response so readers can distinguish a service disruption from a longer-term water-quality or infrastructure issue.
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
Consumers Energy Plans Temporary Flow Cut at Hodenpyl Dam for Inspection
Consumers Energy intends to reduce or halt water flow from the Hodenpyl Dam to the Manistee River the week of September 21 to inspect storm damage, raising concerns among river advocates about environmental impacts and alternative options.
Lawmakers Push New Funding After Cyberattacks on Water Utilities
After cyberattacks linked to Iran targeted water systems in at least seven states, federal and state lawmakers are proposing new funding and oversight to strengthen utility cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure from future threats.
Lake Ontario Renamed 'Lake America' in U.S. by Presidential Order
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming the U.S. portion of Lake Ontario as 'Lake America,' escalating tensions with Canada amid ongoing trade disputes. The change affects federal naming conventions but not Canadian usage.
Michigan Attorney General Releases Report on Flint Water Case Failure
A new report from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office defends its approach to the Flint water crisis prosecution, blaming a Supreme Court ruling for the collapse of criminal charges and leaving many Flint residents unsatisfied
Oakland County Targets Invasive Plants Along Major Roadways
Oakland County will treat invasive Phragmites and knotweed along main roads through October, aiming to protect native plants and prevent infrastructure damage in dozens of local communities.
Triadelphia Reservoir Water Contact Advisory Issued for Residents
WSSC Water has issued a month-long advisory urging people and pets to avoid direct contact with Triadelphia Reservoir water after harmful algal blooms were detected. Recreation remains open, but extra precautions are recommended for all visitors.
Flash Flood Risk in Hudson County as Heavy Rain Expected Sunday Night
The National Weather Service warns of possible flash flooding in Hudson County Sunday night, with the highest risk in central and southern New Jersey. Up to half an inch of rain and gusty winds are forecast, and fog may linger into Monday morning
Frog and Toad Monitoring Reveals Species Shifts in Southeast Michigan
Long-term monitoring by Friends of the Rouge shows four frog species declining and several others increasing in the Rouge River watershed, raising questions about habitat changes and climate impacts in southeast Michigan.
Anne Arundel County Beaches Reopen After Bacteria Advisory Lifted
Four beaches in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, have reopened to swimmers after a two-week closure due to elevated bacteria levels. Health officials cleared Oyster Harbor, Epping Forest, YMCA Camp Letts, and Londontown at Midland following new water tests.
New Water Watch Center Offers Cyber Support for Small Utilities
A new Water Watch Center has launched to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks, as recent incidents in multiple states raise concerns about threats to local water systems
Utah Enacts First State Law Requiring Data Center Water Reporting
Utah now requires large new data centers to publicly report annual water use, aiming to increase transparency as water demand grows. The law, signed in March, is already influencing similar efforts in other states.