The EPA is ramping up inspections of water facilities due to a rise in cyberattacks. They have found alarming vulnerabilities and are urging facilities to implement basic cybersecurity measures to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Over 70% of inspected facilities are violating basic requirements. Recent cyberattacks have highlighted the ease of accessing sensitive equipment at water facilities. The EPA plans to use enforcement to address problems, but faces resource constraints. They offer free cybersecurity training and tools to water facility operators.

The article discusses the discovery of a massive freshwater aquifer off the US East Coast, known as the Continental Shelf Aquifer. This aquifer holds a vast amount of water, equivalent to two Lake Ontarios, and its origins have been a subject of scientific inquiry. The study sheds light on the role of ice sheets in forming the aquifer, but other sources like ancient underwater channels and rainfall may also have contributed. Understanding the aquifer's formation could help locate other offshore freshwater reserves, offering a potential solution to the global water crisis.

The article explores a novel approach to enhancing hydrogen peroxide production during water electrolysis. By incorporating a carbonate buffer into the electrolytic process, researchers have significantly increased the yield of hydrogen peroxide. This method leverages the unique properties of carbonate ions to optimize the reaction conditions and minimize competing side reactions. The study delves into the underlying mechanisms, providing insights into the role of the carbonate buffer in facilitating the formation of hydrogen peroxide. The findings offer promising potential for scaling up hydrogen peroxide production, which is a valuable chemical with diverse industrial applications.

This is an article about PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals found in many consumer products. It discusses the health risks associated with PFAS and the challenges of cleaning up PFAS contamination. The article also details how PFAS entered drinking water and other parts of the environment. Finally, the article explores the legal battles surrounding PFAS contamination and discusses the ongoing search for non-harmful alternatives to these chemicals.

This is an article about a new type of battery called a water battery that could be safer and more efficient than traditional lithium ion batteries. Scientists developed this battery and claim it can hold twice as much energy. The battery uses water as a solvent, making it safer because lithium ion batteries use flammable organic electrolytes. Researchers achieved a high energy density by using a mixed halogen solution and a multi-electron transfer cathode. This combination allows the battery to cycle for 1,000 times. The scientists believe this battery could be used in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.

This is an article about a new method to destroy PFAS chemicals. It discusses how PFAS chemicals are harmful and difficult to get rid of. The new method uses ultraviolet light, sulphite, and electrochemical oxidation to break down the chemicals. This method can be used at room temperature. It is well suited for cleaning firefighting equipment and contaminated water.

Researchers might have found a way to extract lithium, a key component in batteries, from wastewater treatment plants in Pennsylvania. This could be a more sustainable way to get lithium, reducing reliance on mining. The method involves using special filters to capture lithium from wastewater. Pennsylvania has a large amount of wastewater due to its fracking industry, making it a potential source for lithium. This is according to a study by researchers at Penn State University. If successful, this method could help meet the growing demand for lithium batteries.

This is an article about data centers draining Virginia’s water supply. It discusses the impact of data centers on local water resources. Data centers use a lot of water for cooling systems. This is because current cooling methods rely on evaporation. A bill to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact failed to pass.

This is an article about a new theory for light-matter interaction at the air-water interface. It discusses the photomolecular effect, where visible light cleaves off water clusters. The authors propose that this effect can explain the long-standing puzzle of why clouds absorb more sunlight than expected. They used lasers to study the effect and found that it is strongest for green light at a specific angle. The effect may also be important for fog, evaporation, and solar energy collection.

EPA finalizing the first national drinking water standard to limit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The EPA is doing this because exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer and other health problems. The new standard will reduce exposure to PFAS for ~100 million people. EPA is also providing funding to help states and communities implement the new standard.

• For PFOA and PFOS, MCLGs at zero, reflecting science showing no safe level of exposure
• The enforceable MCLs for PFOA and PFOS are set at 4.0 ppt
• EPA is also setting MCLGs and MCLs at 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX Chemicals
• There is also a limit set for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals