RTKnet: Drinking Water

PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Atrazine Causing Havoc to Aquatic Life (Washington Post)

A new study shows that male frogs exposed to the herbicide atrazine -- commonly found in U.S. rivers and streams -- can make a startling developmental U-turn, turning female so completely that they can mate with other males and lay viable eggs.

(01 Mar 2010)

House Investigates Dangers of Drilling (House Energy and Commerce Committee)

The House Energy and Commerce Committee will investigate eight oil and gas companies to better understand the risks hydraulic fracturing poses to drinking water supplies, and to gather information on the chemicals used in fracturing fluids and the potential impact of the practice on the environment and human health.

(18 Feb 2010)

Companies Not Disclosing Water Scarcity Risks (Ceres)

A new report, Murky Waters? Corporate Reporting on Water Risk, faults many large companies for not disclosing the risks they face from growing worldwide water scarcity. Many water-intensive companies are not including material water risks and performance data in their financial filings, nor local-level water data or supply chain water data.

(16 Feb 2010)

Investors Call for Disclosure of Drilling Risks (Investor Environmental Health Network)

Shareholders filed resolutions with 12 natural gas companies calling for disclosure of the environmental impacts and risks to company finances caused by the controversial drilling practice known as hydraulic fracturing, as well as to disclose potential policies to reduce risks.

(27 Jan 2010)

TIPLINE - Report Suspicious Drilling Activities (U.S. EPA)

A new "Eyes on Drilling" tipline created by EPA lets citizens report suspicious activity related to oil and gas development. Call 1-877-919-4EPA or email eyesondrilling@epa.gov. EPA is counting on concerned citizens to report unusual activities related to drilling operations.

(27 Jan 2010)

EPA Releases 5-Year Water Research Strategy (U.S. EPA)

EPA’s National Water Program published its first strategy identifying the research needed to achieve its goals, meet statutory obligations, and fulfill court mandates. Publishing the strategy aligns with EPA's stated desire for more transparent, collaborative research.

(18 Dec 2009)

Law Inadequate to Protect Drinking Water (NY Times)

The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose what scientists say are serious health risks — and still be legal.

(17 Dec 2009)

"Split Estate" Exposes Damage From Gas Drilling (Split Estate)

The new documentary, Split Estate, maps a tragedy in the making, as citizens in the path of a new drilling boom in the Rocky Mountain West struggle against the erosion of their civil liberties, their communities, and their health. The film will air again on Planet Green on January 16 and 17, 2010.

(08 Dec 2009)

Data Gaps Create Uncertainty on Biofuel Impacts on Water (Government Accountability Office)

Many uncertainties remain about national and regional effects of increased biofuel production on water resources, according to a GAO report.

(01 Dec 2009)

Mercury at Unsafe Levels in Half of U.S. Lakes, Reservoirs (Environmental Protection Agency)

A new EPA study shows concentrations of toxic chemicals in fish from lakes and reservoirs in nearly all 50 U.S. states. This follows a USGS study that found similar widespread contamination.

(19 Nov 2009)