AQUA NEXUS

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of San Francisco, requiring the EPA to set specific, numeric pollution targets in water discharge permits. 1 This decision overturns a lower court's ruling that allowed the EPA to use broader, narrative-based standards. The ruling emphasizes the Clean Water Act's intent to reduce pollution through measurable limits. This change affects how the EPA regulates water pollution, particularly in areas with complex pollution sources. It provides greater clarity and enforceability, potentially leading to improved water quality. The decision empowers local governments to demand more stringent pollution controls, ensuring clearer accountability for polluters.

A study identified chloronitramide anion, a potentially toxic byproduct of chloramine, a disinfectant used in many Western Pennsylvania water systems. This byproduct forms in drinking water at concerning levels and has a structure similar to known carcinogens. While its toxicity is still under investigation, scientists fear potential health impacts like cancers and reproductive issues. Water authorities, including Pennsylvania American Water and the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, use chloramine. Though they acknowledge the study's concerns, they maintain chloramine's safety, citing EPA and state approvals. The EPA also expressed concern, urging further study. Advocates are calling for a switch to alternative disinfectants like chlorine. Consumers concerned about chloramine are advised to use carbon filters. Further research on the byproduct's toxicity is expected soon.

Virginia water regulators have begun the process of identifying sources of PFAS contamination in state water systems, affecting millions of residents. This effort follows a new law aimed at protecting public health by reducing significant sources of these "forever chemicals." As of September 1, 2024, 28 drinking water systems were identified as having excessive PFAS levels. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has sent notifications to potential PFAS sources, requiring them to report their manufacturing and usage and monitor wastewater discharges. This data will help DEQ develop regulatory and nonregulatory options for addressing PFAS.

Following a recent water crisis, Richmond's water treatment plant experienced another setback with the failure of a finished water pump. Despite this, the city maintains normal water service by utilizing auxiliary pumps, keeping the reservoir at a normal level. The pump failure, a mechanical issue, is being addressed, and an additional auxiliary pump is being deployed for redundancy. Richmond is currently producing 68 million gallons of water daily, serving its network and supplying Hanover and Henrico counties. Both counties report no immediate water service issues and are monitoring the situation. Henrico addresses cloudy water concerns, attributing it to air bubbles from increased pressure. Richmond has deployed extra personnel and equipment, implemented new monitoring protocols, and installed a backup battery system to enhance water system resilience.

This article discusses the potential of fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, as a valuable resource rather than waste. Researchers are exploring methods to extract rare earth elements (REEs) from fly ash, which are crucial for various technologies, including electronics and renewable energy. The study highlights a novel, more sustainable extraction process that reduces environmental impact compared to traditional methods. By refining fly ash, scientists aim to create a circular economy, minimizing waste and securing a domestic supply of REEs. This approach could transform a significant environmental burden into a sustainable source of critical materials, contributing to both economic and ecological benefits.

American Water, the largest U.S. water utility, disclosed a cyberattack that disrupted its customer service portal and billing functions. The company believes water remains safe to drink. This attack follows a trend of increasing cyberattacks targeting U.S. water infrastructure. The EPA has issued an enforcement alert warning of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in water systems. American Water is investigating the incident with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts.

A federal court recently ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to take action regarding potential health risks from fluoride in drinking water. The judge cited a National Institutes of Health (NIH) report suggesting a link between current fluoride levels and lowered IQ in children. However, the ruling doesn't ban or limit adding fluoride to public water supplies. The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains that fluoridation is safe and beneficial for oral health. The EPA must now review the science and potentially strengthen regulations on fluoride in drinking water.

The study presents a new filtration material made from silk and cellulose that effectively removes PFAS and heavy metals from water. The material also possesses antimicrobial properties, preventing membrane fouling. This innovation could revolutionize water filtration technology, providing a more sustainable and effective approach to tackling water contamination. The researchers discovered that the silk and cellulose combination, when processed into nanofibrils, creates a highly effective and antimicrobial filtration material. The material outperforms widely used standard materials in extracting contaminants from water. While the research serves as proof of concept, the team plans to continue refining the material and scaling up production. The innovation has drawn praise from other experts in the field, who commend its use of natural materials and potential for a major impact.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a promising new device that uses solar energy to produce clean drinking water. This innovation tackles two crucial issues – water scarcity and dependence on fossil fuels for desalination. The device is remarkably efficient, converting 93% of sunlight into usable energy to produce roughly 20 liters of fresh water per square meter daily. This amount aligns with the World Health Organization's recommendation for basic human needs. The key component is a specially designed light absorber made from nickel foam coated with a conductive polymer and thermoresponsive pollen particles. This material effectively captures sunlight and converts it into heat to evaporate saltwater. The vapor then condenses on a cooler surface, leaving behind clean water. The researchers believe this technology has the potential to be particularly beneficial for coastal communities and island nations struggling with freshwater access. Its efficiency and reliance on renewable energy make it a sustainable solution for the global water crisis.

The EPA has set stricter limits on PFAS in drinking water, forcing water districts to take action. In Orange County, California, the Yorba Linda Water District built a large-scale PFAS treatment plant to clean up contaminated groundwater. The plant uses a resin filtration system to remove PFAS from water. Other cities in the area are also implementing similar solutions to address the widespread PFAS contamination in their water supplies.

Researchers at MIT developed a new water filtration system that removes harmful "forever chemicals" called PFAS. These chemicals are persistent and linked to health problems. The new filter uses natural silk and cellulose to remove PFAS and heavy metals from water. It's also antimicrobial, preventing filter clogging by bacteria and fungi. This innovation could be a more sustainable and effective solution to water contamination than current methods.

The study presents a framework to measure how water systems can adjust their energy use to help balance power grid supply and demand. Water systems, which use up to 5% of the nation's electricity, could offer similar benefits to batteries by adjusting their operations to align with real-time energy needs. The researchers developed a framework that assesses the value of energy flexibility in water systems from the perspectives of electric power grid operators and water system operators. They found that these systems could shift up to 30% of their energy use during peak demand times, leading to significant cost savings and easing pressure on the grid. The framework could help electricity grid operators evaluate energy flexibility resources across a range of water systems, compare them with other energy flexibility and energy storage options, and modify or price energy. The approach could also help water utility operators make more informed financial decisions about how they design and run their plants in an era of rapidly changing electricity grids. The study highlights how important energy pricing is for making the most of this flexibility.

A new method for destroying PFAS chemicals has been developed using a photocatalyst made of iron oxide and graphemic carbon. This method is more effective than previous approaches, as it can efficiently break down PFAS chemicals under sunlight. The researchers believe this method could be a valuable tool for cleaning up both municipal and industrial water systems contaminated with PFAS. By effectively destroying these harmful chemicals, this technology could contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

This is an article about a new discovery at MIT. It discusses the photomolecular effect, which is the ability of light to vaporize water without heat. The discovery could have many applications, such as improving climate models and desalination. The scientists were surprised by the discovery, and conducted many tests to confirm it. They believe that the photomolecular effect could explain “mysterious measurements” in the literature of clouds.

The European Commission plans to allow exemptions from a proposed ban on PFAS, or "forever chemicals," to protect key industries. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said exemptions would be granted for uses necessary for the EU's digital and green transition and strategic autonomy. A full ban could put at risk investments in technologies such as semiconductors and batteries. The Commission aims to combat PFAS pollution while ensuring the investment security of key technologies. PFAS are used in thousands of products and machines, but they do not break down in the environment, raising concerns about long-term consequences. Certain PFAS can harm foetuses and cause cancer. Politicians and industries have raised concerns about the impact of a ban on green technologies.

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