Water Wars on the East Coast
We often hear about water wars in the western part of the country, but recent events related to a lawsuit brought by the state of Florida against the state of Georgia highlights the issue’s relevance to other parts of the country. In 2013, Florida sued Georgia for its use of water coming from the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river basin, alleging that Georgia’s high usage levels during a drought devastated the oyster industry in the Apalachicola Bay. The river basin is the primary source of drinking water for the metro Atlanta area (estimated at 70% of the population), and it also helps sustain […]
Lake Okeechobee: Hero or Villain for the Caloosahatchee?
After the driest September on record, Lake Okeechobee is approaching levels not seen since 2011 when Florida experienced drought conditions that were the worst witnessed in a century. Regionally, Lake O. serves several key roles. First, it is an indicator for water conditions, and when it reaches certain levels, water restrictions are implemented. Second, it is an important water source for both agricultural irrigation and drinking water in the southern part of the state. Third, it serves as a source of water for the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary during dry periods with those water releases coordinated by the Army Corps […]
The Economics of Algae in Lake Erie
Signs of climate change are all around us. We see increased temperatures, melting sea ice and glaciers, ocean levels rising, and irregular weather patterns bringing the extremes of droughts and floods. Our water sources are impacted by these changes, shrinking water levels are becoming more evident in many places. Another side effect of these climate changes is the increased presence of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). HABs are caused by higher temperatures combined with human activities, like agriculture, which result in increased nutrients entering the water. An example of this phenomenon can be seen in Lake Erie, where algae blooms, already […]
Lessons from Water Wise Desert Cities
Water availability is a global issue. Although the United States is positioned better than many other countries, there are plenty of water-challenged regions. Important lessons are available to us all when we consider sustainability efforts implemented by desert cities, such as Phoenix and Tucson. With already scarce water resources available, these cities also face continued population growth, predicted temperature increases and heightened drought likelihood. Furthermore, the region’s water sources are strained due to the Central Arizona Project (CAP), a canal that takes water from the Colorado River to central and southern Arizona. People in these areas have lived with this […]
Miami-Dade Budget Squeeze
Miami-Dade has a big problem and it’s not a new one: a sewer system that pollutes Biscayne Bay. In 2013, the EPA found the county to be in violation of the Clean Water Act and under a consent decree, Miami Dade agreed to a settlement with the EPA to upgrade its sewage infrastructure by 2026 with a hefty price tag of $1.8 billion. The problem for the county is where to find the money to make the mandated changes because no one wants higher taxes, and the clock is ticking. The 2020 budget has a three percent increase for Water […]