H2oradio

A recent snowstorm that hit Colorado brought needed moisture that eventually will be used by cities, farmers, and businesses. But the storm also carried something else—tiny hitchhikers that may have a major impact on the state’s water supply. H2O Radio has the story.

Every month, state and local officials meet with scientists to review important information impacting Colorado's water supply. The February meeting revealed that there's good news about reservoir storage in the state, but snowpack and precipitation tell a much different story. H2O Radio reports.

“Debt for Dolphins” Brings Hope for the World’s Oceans. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Some residents of California act like there is no drought, but the state might be gearing up for permanent restrictions. "Day Zero" in Cape Town has been pushed back, thanks in part to a farmers' group releasing water from their reservoir, but just how to cope with pending shortages differs greatly based on income. Given the gravity of the situation in Cape Town, there's an unusual proposal involving Sitka, Alaska, to alleviate the drought. Sunday's forecast for Nord, Greenland, was for a high of 44 degrees above zero, when the average is 12 below. There's a pioneering deal to protect our oceans brokered by The Nature Conservancy and involving Leonardo DiCaprio.

Is There a Cure for Cancer at the Bottom of the Great Lakes? That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. A new study reveals that people in rural areas are exposed to unhealthy—and at times illegal—levels of contaminants through their water systems. Russia could be a source of clean water for China. A Hopi tribe has won a court battle over the use of reclaimed water for snowmaking at a resort near their reservation. Scientists studying the bottom of the Great Lakes have found many new species of fungi, and some of them may be able to help fight cancer. There's a new possible way to desalinate seawater—and it might even charge your cellphone.

The Arctic ringed seal was given protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2012 because of threats from climate change. A recent court decision to uphold that listing might frustrate the oil and gas industry's efforts to drill in the Arctic.

Coal Ash Pits Are Leaking into Groundwater. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. As a new study finds contamination from waste produced at power plants, the EPA is expected to weaken restrictions. Cape Town is looking for alternative water supplies as "Day Zero" is postponed by a month. The BBC published a list of 11 other world cities that could face a similar crisis. Should we still be using old vocabulary like “drought” and “normal" when talking about water in the West? Mercury that's been locked up for millennia in the permafrost of the Arctic and Antarctic, is being released as the planet warms. Utilities have a new BFF when looking for leaks.

Chevron Says If They Did It, Others Did It, Too. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. In a move likened to a 19th-century gold rush, the Bureau of Land Management opened up parts of southeastern Utah to allow prospectors to stake their claims. The Trump administration is delaying a rule defining what bodies of water can be regulated. Farmers love it, and environmental groups call it irresponsible. Around the world, citizens are suing governments and energy companies for failing to protect them against climate change—and many are kids. As oil giants get sued for contributing to climate change they're turning on each other. These swans monitor water quality—and they don't even need to be fed.

A major world city could run out of water. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. April 12th, is being called “Day Zero.” It sounds ominous, and it is. Hurricane Harvey hit southeast Texas in August with record amounts of rain. But now 40 percent of the state is in moderate to severe drought—including some areas where the hurricane hit. The Trump administration has drafted an infrastructure proposal that would gut environmental protections. Environmental organizations and commercial fishermen might sue if the EPA fails to protect salmon and orcas from widely used chemicals. What do Bitcoin and tuna have in common? This Week in Water: Listen now

A new study in Colorado finds that windblown particulates deposited on snow control how fast rivers rise in the spring regardless of air temperature. And because of manmade land disturbances, along with warming and drying in the West from climate change, the problem is getting more difficult to solve.

How the Shutdown Affects Environmental Protection. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Global warming is leading to water shortages that in turn lead to civil unrest and sometimes war. A new study from the CDC shows that the bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease are found in water systems of buildings, not just in isolated areas, but nearly everywhere in the country. Report: U.S. Border Patrol agents have routinely emptied water containers and removed supplies left in the Arizona desert for migrants. The EPA is taking steps to roll back regulations that protect minors from exposure to dangerous chemicals on the farm and in the workplace. What the shutdown means for public health and the environment.

Every month, state and local officials meet with scientists to review important information impacting Colorado's water supply. H2O Radio reports that the recent discussions left some very worried.

A Chemical Used in Weapons Is Showing Up in Water Samples. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. The tragic mudslides that occurred in Southern California last week follow a long history. Los Angeles may be the next to sue oil giants for global warming following a lawsuit brought by New York City. A substance that was developed by the U.S. during the Second World War—and is still used today—is being carried by winds during weapons testing and settling in soils. Water has been found on Mars and may support future missions for drinking, growing crops, or making hydrogen for fuel. The UK has announced plans to eradicate “avoidable plastic waste” within 25 years. China, which used to accept everyone's recycling, has decided it's over being the “world’s garbage dump.”

On Tuesday January 9th, 2018, a new study about the South Platte River was presented at a meeting of government officials and water managers. The recommendations in that report could determine the future of water storage in Colorado. H2O Radio’s Jamie Sudler has more.

Republicans Say No to Trump’s Drilling Plans. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. While the central and eastern U.S. have been dealing with extreme cold, the rest of the planet was almost 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer than normal last week. Dry weather in the West is raising concerns about drought along the Colorado River Basin. Trump wants to allow oil and gas drilling in almost every U.S. coastal region drawing a swift reaction not just from environmental groups, but also from some in his own party. Interior secretary Ryan Zinke has recommended that the size of three marine monuments be downsized or opened to commercial fishing. The government of Brazil announced that it will stop building large hydroelectric dams in the Amazon basin. Would you drink "raw water"? It could give you a raw deal.

People in seven western states and Mexico rely on the Colorado River for water. As the climate warms, the mighty river's flows are expected to shrink—straining its ability to meet demands of cities and farms. As water managers brace themselves for potential shortages, they're keeping a watchful eye on Colorado's snowpack, where much of the water originates. More snow means more runoff—and for that reason many are participating in a little-known tactic to "fire up" more snowflakes from winter storms. H2O Radio reports.

New Study: Fracking Affects Newborns. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Babies born within two miles of fracking sites have a greater risk of lower birth weights, which can lead to infant mortality, ADHD, asthma, lower test scores, and lower lifetime earnings. The Sierra Nevada mountains grew in height during the recent California drought. European researchers have found that a lot of soil is being eroded across the planet. Trump administration lawyers are trying to stop a lawsuit brought by children about climate change. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke reprimanded the chief of Joshua Tree National Park for tweeting about global warming. EPA has hired a private firm to investigate its own employees, including those who have retired. This might be the winner for the best metaphor of 2017.

Arctic Melting May Be Triggering California’s Drought and Fires. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. What should be the peak of California’s rainy season is instead bone-dry with winds that are fanning several wildfires. According to one expert, the state is experiencing a "climate emergency." Warming in the Arctic freaks out a weather station. After Trump drastically reduces its boundaries, Bears Ears may now be open to uranium mining, contrary to administration statements. The situation in Puerto Rico is still grave and the Republican tax plan could make it worse. The earth hums and scientists are diving deep to solve the mystery as to why—and name that tune.

Two days before Thanksgiving, a spill occurred at a gas well not far from Durango, Colorado. While the spill may not have been significant in size, the explanation given by the operator is leading to a lot of head scratching. H2O Radio reports.

On Monday, December 4, 2017, the federal district court in Denver dismissed the Colorado River Ecosystem lawsuit, which sought to establish rights of nature for the river. H2O Radio’s Jamie Sudler has more.

"Kayaks That Make Music for Science." That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. The Senate Republicans' tax bill is not good for the environment, wildlife, or renewables. The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed to stand a lower court decision giving a Native American tribe rights to groundwater going back 150 years. Climate change is increasingly being taken into consideration by insurers and investors. Two endeavors in Mexico around producing some of our favorite alcoholic beverages are getting attention from water watchers—but for very different reasons. Listen as scientific data is transformed into art.