Water / Public News Service

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported in 2017, a manure spill attributed to an animal feeding operation owned by Darryl Humpal killed 34,486 fish in Dry Run Creek in 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Iowa dairy farm manure spill kills 100,000 fish

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration On …

The Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget would eliminate $1.3 billion in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grants and research, targeting climate and education programs. (Monica/Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Trump's proposed budget threatens Chesapeake Bay Restoration efforts in PA

Environmental advocates have warned President Donald Trump's proposed budget could cripple restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Federal agencies have …

A new report proposes a new oil and gas production fee to fund orphaned well cleanup via an independent authority, stricter enforcement, a fully funded escrow for new wells and an amnesty program for small producers. (AdobeStock)

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Report: Appalachian gas production slows, reforms needed to fund well plugging

A new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute argued the oil and gas industry, not taxpayers, should cover the cost of plugging up hundreds of …

Alfalfa farms consumed a third of Colorado's entire Colorado River allocation in 2024, enough to supply the city of Denver for 38 years. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

More than 2 trillion gallons of Colorado River water tapped by alfalfa farms in 2024

As Colorado and other Basin states relying on the shrinking Colorado River work to reduce water use, new data showed just how much water is helping …

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will roll back 31 environmental rules including a scientific finding which has long been the central basis for U.S. actions against climate change. (Simon/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

New dashboard shows effects of possible EPA rollbacks on TX environment

A new mapping tool from the Sierra Club showed how proposed rollbacks on coal-pollution safeguards could affect the Texas environment. The Trump …

New Mexico's snowpack is significantly below normal for this time of year, with levels at 36% across the state. (Photo courtesy Isabelle Jenniches)

Monday, May 12, 2025

NM groups work to improve soil health, mitigate effects of changing climate

New Mexico's decades-long drought combined with climate change have more farmers and ranchers embracing the six healthy soil principles, tailoring …

Public utilities in Iowa cite high infrastructure investments as an impediment to installing nitrate treatment systems. Currently, only 4% of utilities have such measures. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

New research shows effects of nitrates on Iowa's most vulnerable

New research at Iowa State University shows elevated nitrate levels have an outsize effect on the state's most vulnerable populations. Studies show …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's PFAS action plan focuses on tackling the most pressing compliance issues and responding to concerns from Congress and drinking water systems regarding national primary drinking water regulations for specific PFAS chemicals. (Somphong/AdobeStock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Will the EPA’s PFAS plan improve Tennessee drinking water?

An environmental group is voicing concern about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to tackle PFAS pollution. The EPA recently …

Many municipalities are now testing drinking water for PFAS but contamination is often widespread and difficult to remove. (show999/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

MSU study highlights long-term impact of PFAS in drinking water

A new study from Michigan State University researchers revealed lasting PFAS effects in a Michigan community's drinking water near an old paper mill l…

North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials say zebra mussels, an aquatic nuisance species, have been detected in larger lakes near Jamestown and Grand Forks. They hope to prevent it from spreading to the central and western parts of the state. (Adobe Stock)

Tiny zebra mussels, if ignored, could be a big problem for ND lakes

Compared with other states, North Dakota has yet to see a big invasion of aquatic nuisance species. But officials are not letting their guard down…

The Agriculture Enterprise Area Program, under the Farmland Preservation program, offers additional financial incentives for communities who commit to keeping land in agriculture use for a specified period. (Adobe Stock)

WI ag conservation program yields farmers' savings

Wisconsin's investment in preserving its agricultural land is offering some solace to farmers and landowners while helping them save money amid a clim…

Lead can enter drinking water when a chemical reaction occurs in plumbing materials that contain lead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa bill would require lead water line disclosure

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill that would require property owners to disclose the presence of lead water service lines during a real estate tra…

Elise Ketcham, communications director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, said Arizona's ephemeral and intermittent streams are also crucial in diverting water for flood control. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA rule could put Arizona's water resources at stake

Arizona has a unique relationship with water and a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency could further complicate it. It was only two …

According to a study by Harvard University, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas without enough dentists. Dental experts warned taking fluoride out of water in areas with few dentists could lead to more tooth decay. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

By Brett Kelman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Co…

A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the scope of which U.S. bodies of water are protected under the Clean Water Act. A wetlands protection advocacy group said a proposed EPA rule would narrow the definition even further, leaving millions of acres of wetlands across the country unprotected. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA rule could put remaining IL wetlands at risk

Protected wetlands across Illinois could be at risk as the Trump administration considers changes to the Clean Water Act. The Environmental …

UT conservationists say proposed EPA rule jeopardizes water quality

Water is scarce in Utah's dry climate, and a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency could threaten the state's water resources. EPA …

Among those surved, 70% of Nevadans believe inadequate water supply is a serious problem, according to Colorado College's State of the Rockies Conservation in the West Poll. (Kit Leong / Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA water rule could affect NV's water quality

Both water quantity and quality are important in the dry climate of Nevada. Now, a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency could roll back …

Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar says a permitting change announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior this week will mean

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Feds unveil 'emergency permitting' for energy projects in MT, U.S.

This week, the Trump administration announced what it terms "emergency permitting" for energy projects, streamlining a sometimes yearslong process …

In some parts of Montana's Big Hole River, levels of phosphorus and nitrogen are at two or three times healthy thresholds, according to data from area conservation groups. (Tracy/Adobe Stock)

Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA

Montana officials have denied a petition asking the state to designate the Big Hole River as "impaired" by pollution. Two conservation groups …

Cobbs Creek Ambassadors help clean up the creek in Philadelphia. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful involves students in programs promoting community pride and environmental education. (Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful)

'Pick Up PA' drives statewide community cleanup efforts for Earth Day, beyond

Across the state, more than 300 Pick Up Pennsylvania environmental events are planned for this Earth Week. Last year, more than 77,000 volunteers …

The city of Baltimore and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission serve a combined 3.5 million Marylanders. (Adobe Stock)

MD water systems have high levels of cancer-causing chemicals, report finds

A new report found 122 million Americans drink water with high levels of cancer-causing chemicals, frequently from runoff at livestock factory farms…

At the Straits of Mackinac, Line 5 splits into two 20-inch pipelines, running along the lake bed for about 4.5 miles, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. (CoastalSkyCaptures/Adobe Stock)

MI environmental groups, Tribes decry fast-tracking Line 5 tunnel

Environmental groups across Michigan are pushing back after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed it will fast-track Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel …

More than 720 waterways in Iowa, including lakes, wetlands and streams are considered

EPA cuts would endanger Iowa's already contaminated water

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration In a …

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation plans to directly fund and distribute roughly 90,000 trees and critical tree sheltering supplies for Pennsylvania this spring, with an additional 100,000 planned for the fall planting season. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

PA to plant 10 million trees to boost Chesapeake Bay water quality

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is helping to get Pennsylvania on track for its Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals this year. So far…

The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization has become as much as a landmark to the community as the Little Village Arch and was awarded the national Food Sovereignty Prize in 2024. (City of Chicago 2021)

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

By Angela Burke for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

A McKinsey analysis suggested global demand for data-center capacity could rise at an annual rate of between 19% and 22% from 2023 to 2030 to reach an annual demand of 171 to 219 gigawatts. (Adobe Stock)

High-impact data centers could pose WV energy, environment threats

Large, energy-intense buildings used in Bitcoin mining, cloud computing and artificial intelligence data processing industries could become more …

Iowa has about 400,000 acres of wetlands, down from an estimated 4 to 6 million acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Federal judge to decide fate of IA 'Swampbuster' wetlands program

A federal judge in Cedar Rapids hears arguments today in a case that could make or break the future of wetland protection programs in the state…

Washington state officials have been ordered to issue new regulations to keep the runoff from concentrated animal feeding operations, also known as factory farms, from polluting nearby streams and waterways. (Adobe Stock)

Court orders WA to rewrite CAFO dairy operation permit regulations

The Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board is ordering state officials to rewrite pollution discharge permit regulations for concentrated a…

Biosolids, also known as sewage sludge, were applied to farms in Johnson County as fertilizer to boost crop fertility. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

North TX county sues feds over PFAS contamination

By Sara Hashemi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration John…

Iowa factory farms dump approximately 109 billion pounds of manure each year, much of which winds up in nearby groundwater, according to Food and Water Watch. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa's cancer rate is an 'outlier,' but why?

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration In …

The Assessment found droughts from the last year impacted Western Washington the most, where reports noted lower flows from natural springs and water-stressed trees. (Sam Judy/Adobe Stock)

New data detail WA's water year

The Pacific Northwest Water Year Impacts Assessment, an important resource for managing drought and other climate extremes, was published today…

The findings of a study on farmer's reactions to drought conditions will provide valuable insights to help shape more sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation strategies. (Bits and Splits/Adobe Stock)

Grant money used to study drought practices of AR farmers

Students and professors at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock are studying farmer's reactions to drought conditions. The university received a …

An artist's rendering of a pilot canal project under construction in the Central Valley city of Turlock. (Solar AquaGrid)

Seven major universities to study feasibility of solar panels on CA canals

The feasibility of putting solar panels over the state's network of canals is the topic of a big new research project, co-led by the University of …

The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a ruling ordering the rehiring of thousands of federal workers, including in the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

EPA workers in Chicago protest cuts to agency

Nearly 100 probationary workers for the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago have had their jobs cut and then reinstated in the last month…

A proposed carbon dioxide pipeline for several Midwestern states is touted as one of the largest carbon capture projects in the world. Opponents said even if the concept works, developers are going

Like SD, North Dakota organizers keep fighting carbon pipeline

A Monday court hearing features a case pitting two North Dakota counties against a large carbon capture project. The legal challenge stands in the …

The initiative to build the Line 5 tunnel arose after incidents like a 2018 anchor strike that caused minor damage to the existing pipeline, highlighting vulnerabilities in its current configuration. <br />(Les Palenik/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Conflict of interest? MI groups question Trump, Line 5 contractor link

A Michigan nonprofit is among the groups raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest between President Donald Trump and the Line 5 tunnel …

The most common NOAA warnings in Illinois are for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and winter weather, especially during the spring and fall seasons. (Adobe Stock)

Potential NOAA cuts spell trouble for IL weather warnings

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

Among other efforts, NOAA has been leading the charge in mapping the bottom of the Great Lakes to improve navigation safety, understand the impact of climate change, locate pipelines and identify fisheries and shipwrecks. (Adobe Stock)

Potential NOAA cuts could put WI weather warnings on ice

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

Kayaker and artist Gabe Newton will show his artwork depicting the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales at

Coalition plans legislative push to support Columbia Basin Restoration

A coalition of conservationists and tribal nations is pushing for support of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative by state officials in Olympia…

In January 2014, approximately 10,000 gallons of chemicals used to process coal spilled from a storage tank into the Elk River in West Virginia, a water source which serving 300-thousand people in the Charleston area.(Adobe Stock)

Bill aims to weaken WV coal and gas industry chemical tank regulations

Lawmakers in the West Virginia Senate have passed a bill to remove mandated inspections for chemical storage tanks in the oil, coal and gas …

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have recently come under scrutiny for not doing more to enforce factory farm manure discharge permits. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa slaughterhouse faces water pollution lawsuit

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration In …

Agriculture trade groups want to see a rollback of federal environmental regulations on the meatpacking industry, along with fewer worker protections and food safety measures. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska meatpackers call on feds to deregulate industry

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

Aquaculture, particularly aquaponics, can improve food security by providing locally grown, fresh and nutritious food in food deserts. (Adobe Stock/B.Rath Photography)

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

New Mexico may never be a leader in aquaculture but some fish farmers are finding success in the arid state. Rossana Sallenave, professor and …

PVC pipes are commonly joined by elastomeric sealing connections or solvent cement. These solvent cements can expose workers to hazardous chemicals such as tetrahydrofuran, a carcinogen. (Adobe Stock)

Fixing one problem, creating another? Ohio's lead pipe replacements

Ohioans are seeing changes in their water infrastructure as cities work to replace lead service lines, a requirement under federal regulations…

The Trump administration is working to lower air-quality standards, which could allow easier permitting for the oil and gas industry. (Travelview/Adobe Stock)

CA local leaders protest massive rollback of federal environmental protections

Local leaders in California are slamming the Trump administration's moves to gut dozens of environmental policies on climate change and pollution in l…

Y-12 employs 5,000 people, whose objectives include processing highly enriched uranium for the nation's nuclear stockpile. (Enzo/AdobeStock)

Uncertain future of Y-12 complex under Trump administration threatens jobs, economy

A Knoxville environmental group is raising concerns over federal budget cuts and their effects on jobs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ri…

From data centers to clean-energy projects to factory farms, rural communities are being asked to shoulder a number of key projects factoring into how society functions, potentially leading to a major dynamic shift in how local residents organize their response. (Adobe Stock)

Power of rural organizing reflected in SD carbon pipeline law

The future of a big carbon capture project in the Midwest was thrown off balance after a new South Dakota law was adopted. Rural property owners made …

Conservation experts would like to see more farms use drip or sprinkler systems, which are more efficient than flooding for irrigation. (Deyan Georgiev/Adobe Stock)

Agriculture, especially cattle feed, uses most of Earth’s freshwater

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collab…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - May 15, 2025

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Water

Iowa dairy farm manure spill kills 100,000 fish

Trump's proposed budget threatens Chesapeake Bay Restoration efforts in PA

Report: Appalachian gas production slows, reforms needed to fund well plugging

More than 2 trillion gallons of Colorado River water tapped by alfalfa farms in 2024

New dashboard shows effects of possible EPA rollbacks on TX environment

NM groups work to improve soil health, mitigate effects of changing climate

New research shows effects of nitrates on Iowa's most vulnerable

Will the EPA’s PFAS plan improve Tennessee drinking water?

MSU study highlights long-term impact of PFAS in drinking water

Tiny zebra mussels, if ignored, could be a big problem for ND lakes

WI ag conservation program yields farmers' savings

Iowa bill would require lead water line disclosure

Proposed EPA rule could put Arizona's water resources at stake

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

New EPA rule could put remaining IL wetlands at risk

UT conservationists say proposed EPA rule jeopardizes water quality

Proposed EPA water rule could affect NV's water quality

Feds unveil 'emergency permitting' for energy projects in MT, U.S.

Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA

'Pick Up PA' drives statewide community cleanup efforts for Earth Day, beyond

MD water systems have high levels of cancer-causing chemicals, report finds

MI environmental groups, Tribes decry fast-tracking Line 5 tunnel

EPA cuts would endanger Iowa's already contaminated water

PA to plant 10 million trees to boost Chesapeake Bay water quality

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

High-impact data centers could pose WV energy, environment threats

Federal judge to decide fate of IA 'Swampbuster' wetlands program

Court orders WA to rewrite CAFO dairy operation permit regulations

North TX county sues feds over PFAS contamination

Iowa's cancer rate is an 'outlier,' but why?

New data detail WA's water year

Grant money used to study drought practices of AR farmers

Seven major universities to study feasibility of solar panels on CA canals

EPA workers in Chicago protest cuts to agency

Like SD, North Dakota organizers keep fighting carbon pipeline

Conflict of interest? MI groups question Trump, Line 5 contractor link

Potential NOAA cuts spell trouble for IL weather warnings

Potential NOAA cuts could put WI weather warnings on ice

Coalition plans legislative push to support Columbia Basin Restoration

Bill aims to weaken WV coal and gas industry chemical tank regulations

Iowa slaughterhouse faces water pollution lawsuit

Nebraska meatpackers call on feds to deregulate industry

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

Fixing one problem, creating another? Ohio's lead pipe replacements

CA local leaders protest massive rollback of federal environmental protections

Uncertain future of Y-12 complex under Trump administration threatens jobs, economy

Power of rural organizing reflected in SD carbon pipeline law

Agriculture, especially cattle feed, uses most of Earth’s freshwater