water

Oroville Dam

Does a ‘green spot’ signal trouble for California’s massive Oroville Dam?

The California Department of Water Resources insists the dam is stable. But a lush, damp area on the dam’s face has nearby communities — and some engineers — concerned.

Does a ‘green spot’ signal trouble for California’s massive Oroville Dam?
Sign pointing to a water distribution site in Flint, MI.

It’s been almost three years since Flint’s water crisis began. What have we learned?

It’s been almost three years since Flint’s water crisis began. What have we learned?
People walk past a damaged building in the eastern Damascus suburb of Ghouta, Syria.

A major water crisis in Syria's capital worsens as fighting continues

A major water crisis in Syria's capital worsens as fighting continues
The Goreangab water treatment plant uses a process that partially mimics nature to turn sewage from Winhoek's 300,000 residents back into potable water. It opened in 1968 and was the first such plant in the world.

Recycling sewage into drinking water is no big deal. They've been doing it in Namibia for 50 years.

Recycling sewage into drinking water is no big deal. They've been doing it in Namibia for 50 years.
Burned bus in Bengaluru, India

In India's Silicon Valley, the water wars have turned deadly

In India's Silicon Valley, the water wars have turned deadly
Glen Canyon Dam

Is it time to think about removing dams on the Colorado River?

Searing drought is causing people to rethink water infrastructure in the Western US, including some of the major dams along the Colorado River.

Is it time to think about removing dams on the Colorado River?
Xiaolangdi Reservoir

Paying more attention to the weather could help stretch our existing water supplies

New York City drew the reservoir down to an unprecedented level last winter — but only because forecasting told city official that it would soon be able to refill with an unprecedented amount of snowmelt.

Paying more attention to the weather could help stretch our existing water supplies
A sign is seen next to a water dispenser at a high school in Flint

After months, the Flint water situation is finally getting a little bit better

Government officials say Flint's tap water is finally safe enough for showering and washing hands — which is a step forward, but still not safe enough for drinking.

After months, the Flint water situation is finally getting a little bit better
Vehicles driving along a road

In parts of India, the heat is scorching, forests are burning and the water is almost out

India's monsoon is still nearly a month away, and the heat is scorching, but parts of the country have nearly run out of water. Meanwhile, fires burn and people struggle with a half hour of water a day — or less.

In parts of India, the heat is scorching, forests are burning and the water is almost out
Arctic ice melt

The melting Arctic is to blame for snow and rain in other parts of the world

A research team analyzed water from the Hubbard Brook research station in New Hampshire to show that the Arctic is now sending the Northeast more water than in recent history.

The melting Arctic is to blame for snow and rain in other parts of the world
water barrels

'Little Teresa' helps São Paulo women fight drought and male domination — with rain barrels

Brazil's largest city, São Paulo is coming out of a searing drought. But its impact wasn't all bad. One woman saw the drought as an opportunity to empower women and bring her community closer together.

'Little Teresa' helps São Paulo women fight drought and male domination — with rain barrels
concord water

Here's a small town's advice for cities considering a plastic water bottle ban

Want to introduce a plastic water bottle ban in your town? The residents of Concord, Massachusetts, have some advice for you.

Here's a small town's advice for cities considering a plastic water bottle ban
Studies show that communities of color are especially vulnerable to environmental injustice and environmental racism.

This professor says Flint's water crisis amounts to environmental racism

Professor Robert Bullard is called the father of environmental justice, and he says low-income communities of color often face environmental crises with lagging help from government agencies.

This professor says Flint's water crisis amounts to environmental racism
Flint residents receive bottled water and filters

A network of churches are among those trying to reach undocumented immigrants with water in Flint

About 1,000 undocumented immigrants live in Flint, Michigan. But, as the city's water crisis has unfolded, they've been slow to receive help or supplies. Here's how one group of churches is trying to help.

A network of churches are among those trying to reach undocumented immigrants with water in Flint
Michigan National Guard helping with water distribution

Why the crisis over Flint's water could really happen anywhere in the US

People in Flint, Michigan, are rightly concerned about the quality of their water. But, it turns out, there are really few safeguards for any Americans.

Why the crisis over Flint's water could really happen anywhere in the US