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Here’s the Latest Count of Suspected Bases with Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in the Water

/in , , /by /Military Timesby Meghann Myers

There are nearly 700 military installations with either confirmed or suspected ground water contamination caused by fire-fighting foam using in vehicle and aircraft mishaps, according to new data released Thursday by the Environmental Working Group.

Cancer-linked per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS, have been confirmed at 328 sites, according to Pentagon data analyzed by EWG. and are suspected on about 350 more Defense Department installations and sites.

“DoD officials have understood the risks of AFFF since at least the early 1970′s, when the Navy and Air Force did their own studies on the toxicity of PFAS in fish, and the early 1980s when the Air Force conducted its own animal studies,” Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs, told reporters in a phone conference on Thursday.

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Los Angeles County’s Water Supply Analysis of Development Stands

/in , /by /Bloomberg Lawby Maeve Allsup

Los Angeles County can move forward on plans to develop 2,000 acres along the Santa Clara River without conducting a new assessment of the project’s impact on local water supply, a California appeals court ruled.

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Artwork from Colton, age six, thanking the ten Carlsbad desalination plant workers sheltering in place to maintain operations. Courtesy: Poseidon Water Community Thanks Desalination

Community Thanks Desalination Plant Workers For Sacrifice

/in , /by

Expressions of gratitude and support have poured in from a grateful community to the ten volunteers sheltering in place at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant in San Diego County. As people learned about their effort to maintain plant operations and keep the water flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents responded by expressing their heartful thanks through messages, photos and artwork.

“The desal plant employees were overwhelmed with the community support they have received,” said Jessica Jones, Poseidon Water director of communications. “They read and enjoyed every message, photo, and drawing.  The support was just the boost in morale that they needed to finish out their 21-days onsite.”

The on-site crew has sustained plant operations and maintenance since March 19 to ensure continued production of high-quality drinking water, in compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.

Messages and artwork shared with the workers

Lori, a resident of Rancho Carlsbad, put her artistic skills to use with this entertaining thank you. Courtesy: Poseidon Water

Rachel Welland, Bay Park: “Each day I think about how crucial our water supply is, as we are all quarantined in our houses. I appreciate what you are all doing to keep us hydrated during these crazy times!”

Lucy Lusk, South Carlsbad: “Well I will never take that water that comes out of the faucet for granted again. Thanks for volunteering to stay at the desal plan to keep it running, we are grateful to you for your service to our community.”

Diane, Spring Valley: “Thank you for providing us clean water. I know how important your job is, because when I was growing up in the Philippines, there was no water, and we have to buy water by the drum. I’m sure your loved ones miss you terribly.”

The Adams Family including Mom, Dad, and three kids ages 7, 10, and 12: “Thank you for your personal sacrifice serving the surrounding communities. Water is precious. Water is life. Thank you for committing to keep our water safe and available.”

Kids put their talents to work

Kids got out their paintbrushes, pens, and even sidewalk chalk to let the workers know how much they were appreciated.

Miles Antoine, age 7, Chula Vista: “Thank you for helping everything grow!”

Miles Antoine, age 7, Chula Vista: “Thank you for helping everything grow!” Courtesy: Poseidon Water

Dylan, age 21 months, Carlsbad: “Thank you for helping provide us fresh water.”

Dylan, age 21 months, Carlsbad: “Thank you for helping provide us fresh water.” Courtesy: Poseidon Water

Zoe, age 10, Encinitas: “Thank you for being away from your families and keeping our water safe.”

Zoe, age 10, Encinitas: “Thank you for being away from your families and keeping our water safe.” Courtesy: Poseidon Water

Colson Hanson, age 6, Scripps Ranch: “Thank you for the hard work and staying at the plant so we have clean water.”

Colson Hanson, age 6, Scripps: “Thank you for the hard work and staying at the plant so we have clean water.” Courtesy: Poseidon Water

Heartwarming expressions of thanks

One resident was moved to write a poem for the desal plant workers.

Samantha, Carlsbad:

“Claude ‘Bud’ Lewis Desal Operators and techs showing some grace,

Changing your lives to Shelter in Place.

Missing your families and your comfortable bed,

I hope the City of Carlsbad keeps you well fed.

Toiling with coworkers for 12 hour shifts,

I only imagine there could be some rifts.

50 million gallons per day you give,

Without this water we could not live.

How long to stay? The time isn’t clear,

For your courage and hard work, I send you good cheer!”

Happy puppy

A 10-month old pup in Little Italy named “Archie Moore” had his owner provide a photographic thank you.

With a little help from his owner, this happy pup is thankful for a full water dish. Courtesy: Poseidon Water

Yen Linh Huynh, California: “Our hearts go out to you at the desal plant. It’s heroes like you that give humanity hope for a better day. Thank you from this family of 4.”

Barbara Blash, Oceanside: “Thank you so much for your efforts to keep our little corner of the world turning. Hope my small note will generate a warm smile until the time when a heartfelt handshake or hug will be delivered.”

Paul Maxwell, San Diego: “Hey Operators I’m a Paramedic in San Diego and you are my hero! Thanks for stepping up!”

Martie Hatcher, Carlsbad: “Please let your families know that they are so appreciated for this gift of you. I know they really miss your hugs, smiles, laughter and company!! On behalf of my husband and I, ‘Tussen tac,’ Norwegian for ‘a thousand thanks!”‘

Melanie, Carlsbad: “The world is better for having people like you in it.”

Another group of employees stands ready to relieve the ten workers later this week when their 21-day commitment ends.

The San Diego County Water Authority purchases up to 56,000 acre-feet of water from the Carlsbad plant per year – enough to serve approximately 400,000 people annually. The plant is a major component of the Water Authority’s multi-decade strategy to diversify the county’s water supply portfolio and minimize vulnerability to drought or other water supply emergencies.

EPA Administrator Emphasizes Value of Water Treatment in Talk With WQA

/in , /by /Treatment Plant Operator (Three Lakes, Wisconsin)

The Water Quality Association’s Board of Directors recently heard from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler in a conference call in which Wheeler underscored the value of water treatment during the COVID-19 crisis.

“You’re providing a critical service to the American public, and we want to make sure you have the resources you need to provide that service,” said Wheeler, who reiterated the importance of continued dialogue after hearing the perspectives of several directors during the call.

Wheeler emphasized that his office remains open for business during the COVID-19 crisis, and that action continues on other fronts such as drinking water standards, expanding funding to manage per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), updating the Lead and Copper Rule and a new water reuse action plan designed to accelerate water recycling efforts across the country.

“It was a great call and very informative for our Board,” says incoming WQA President D.J. Shannahan, who was among the directors to address Wheeler. “We appreciate his willingness to listen to our needs while also sharing his priorities for improving the water quality of our nation.”

 

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HIV, Ebola, SARS and Now COVID-19: Why Some Scientists Fear Deadly Outbreaks Are on the Rise

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Joshua Emerson Smith

The social upheaval and death caused by the new coronavirus has awoken many to what some infectious-disease experts have been warning about for more than a decade: Outbreaks of dangerous new diseases with the potential to become pandemics have been on the rise — from HIV to swine flu to SARS to Ebola.

Many experts now believe that this surge in new infectious diseases is being driven in part by some of humanity’s most environmentally destructive practices, such as deforestation and poaching, leading to increased contact between highly mobile, urbanized human populations and wild animals.

“The evidence is clear; we’re driving disease emergence through less sustainable use of nature,” said Dr. Aaron Bernstein, interim director of the Center for Climate Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard School of Public Health.

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Following California’s Water as Another Dry Spell Looms

/in , /by /Capitol Weeklyby Ryan Kaika

What does a Central Valley almond farmer have in common with a San Diego homeowner? The answer is simple: Water. More specifically, the amount of water they need to sustain their respective lifestyles — which is a lot.

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Water Supply Diversification Overcomes Dry Winter

/in , , /by /Water News Networkby Ed Joyce

No ‘March Miracle’ for snow and rain in California, but the San Diego County Water Authority has diversified water supply sources to weather the boom-and-bust cycle of California winters.

March brought abundant precipitation throughout California, but not enough to offset a dry February. Most large urban water agencies in the state maintain a reliable water supply in wet and dry years.

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Opinion: What Gov. Gavin Newsom Needs to Do to Protect State’s Water Future

/in , /by /San Francisco Chronicleby George Miller

Today, responding to a global pandemic is every governor’s top priority. When we emerge from this crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom will face a challenge to ensure California’s future economic and environmental health. In this context, his water policies will represent critical decisions. Along with public health, jobs, energy, transportation, education, housing and fire protection, water is a compulsory gubernatorial priority.

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Californians Won’t Have Their Water Service Turned Off for Unpaid Bills During Coronavirus Crisis, Newsom says

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby John Myers

Californians won’t have their water turned off due to unpaid bills during the coronavirus crisis, and those who already had it turned off will have their service restored, under action taken Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The governor’s directive comes in response to calls from environmental justice organizations for assistance to low-income residents facing mounting financial pressures.

“This executive order will help people who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring they have water service,” Newsom said in a written statement after hinting at the action during an event broadcast online. “Water is critical to our very lives, and in this time it is critically important that it is available for everyone.”

The decision also requires that residential water service be restored to those who had it turned off for lack of payment since March 4, when the statewide coronavirus emergency went into effect.

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Coronavirus Hit California’s Cut-Flower Industry at the Worst Time

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Geoffrey Mohan

It happened this fast: Shoppers frightened by the novel coronavirus ransacked grocery stores. Store managers shifted staff to restock shelves. The floral booth went empty. California’s cut-flower industry imploded.

Sure, there are lots of nuances to this tale of tumbling economic dominoes. But at its core is the simple fact that few will buy a perishable luxury item when they fear for their lives. That could spell the end of many farms in California’s $360-million cut-flower industry.

Since mid-March, sales have fallen an average of 85% on California’s 225 flower and foliage farms, while the labor force has dropped by a similar proportion, according to the California Cut Flower Commission, a state agency that promotes the industry.

“We have companies that won’t be here when it’s over,” said David Pruitt, CEO of the commission.

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