Circle of Blue

On December 16, 1974, the U.S. took a major step forward in public health with the signing of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This groundbreaking legislation aimed to ensure safe, clean drinking water for all Americans. While the law has been instrumental in improving water quality, challenges remain, such as aging infrastructure, unregulated private wells, and funding issues. Many communities, especially Black and Hispanic ones, still struggle with water access and quality. As we look to the future, investing in infrastructure and addressing new contaminants are crucial for safeguarding public health. To read this story and more, visit circleofblue.org #CircleofBlue #SafeDrinkingWater #EnvironmentalProtection #WaterQuality

Through our investigative journalism, we speak for water. By focusing on both the science and the human aspect of water, Circle of Blue helps to translate water's complex data and stories into something that can be understood and acted upon. Water is not just a resource; it's an active player in the narrative of human survival, growth, and sustainability. At Circle of Blue, we advocate for the urgent need to protect and manage it responsibly, ensuring that it is accessible to all people, regardless of their location or economic standing. Make your own voice heard with a donation to Circle of Blue today. Right now, during the NewsMatch challenge, your donation makes double the impact. To make a tax-deductible contribution, go to circleofblue.org/donate #CircleOfBlue #AubreyBlanche #ClimateAction #WaterConservation

The world’s conflict zones saw deepened suffering this year. Gazans and Ukrainians endured relentless war, with vital water and sanitation systems targeted. In Gaza, damaged sewage systems and scarce clean water sparked a public health crisis. Meanwhile, Sudan’s ongoing civil war displaced millions and worsened cholera outbreaks due to poor sanitation. Today we are highlighting our HotSpots H2O stories, written by Zara Gounden. To read these, and more, visit circleofblue.org #WaterCrisis #HotSpotsH2O #CircleofBlue

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Unfortunately, we watched the climate suffer in 2024, with El Niño and rising greenhouse gas emissions pushing global temperatures beyond the 1.5°C threshold we hoped to avoid. A UNEP report warns that current emission reduction efforts are falling short, with the world heading toward 2.9°C of warming by 2100 unless stronger action is taken. This additional heat is disrupting the planet’s water cycle, making extreme rainfall events, like the one in Valencia, Spain, more frequent and intense. The urgency for stronger climate action has never been clearer. Today we are highlighting our World’s Growing Water Risks stories, written by Brett Walton. To read these, and more, go to circleofblue.org #ClimateAction #ClimateChange #WaterRisks #ClimateCrisis #EnvironmentalAwareness #ClimateEmergency

As 2024 wraps up, the Biden administration's final year saw major climate and infrastructure achievements, including key drinking water regulations on PFAS and lead. The EPA set federal limits for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water and launched a 10-year plan to replace lead service lines nationwide. However, the year also brought challenges, with the Supreme Court ruling that could impact regulatory powers. Meanwhile, Congress, in an election year, couldn't move forward on updating farm policy. Today we are highlighting our recent Federal Water Taps. The Federal Water Tap is a weekly digest spotting trends in U.S. government water policy. To read these, and more, go to circleofblue.org #ClimateAction #DrinkingWater #PFAS #Infrastructure

At Circle of Blue, we bring critical water issues to the forefront through investigative journalism that shapes policy decisions worldwide. By connecting the dots between data, science, and human stories, we help policymakers make informed, sustainable choices to safeguard the world’s water. Our stories have been shaping environmental policy across the world, and to continue our work, we need support from readers like you. Help us to continue to build a stronger world for ourselves and future generations. Right now, your contribution will be doubled by Newsmatch. To donate today, visit: https://lnkd.in/gBAQCDnE #CircleOfBlue #SupportJournalism #ProtectOurWater #InvestigativeJournalism #EnvironmentalPolicy

Today we are highlighting the Great Lakes stories produced by The Great Lakes News Collaborative partners: Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now, Michigan Public, and The Narwhal. From wildfires to water shut-offs, this year the collaborative has illustrated how the Great Lakes region has been subjected to the effects of our warming planet. Different stakeholders, including elected officials, health professionals, and researchers, in the region are going to have to alter standard practices in light of these environmental changes. Thank you to Kelly House (Bridge Michigan), Lester Graham (Radio Michigan), Keith Schneider, Fatima Syed (The Narwhal), and Brett Walton for these insightful stories. Go to circleofblue.org to read these stories and more. #YearInWater #Climate #WaterResilience #CircleOfBlue #Waternews #2024InWater

Agriculture is the biggest water polluter in the U.S., with years of unchecked runoff harming land, water, wildlife, and public health. Toxic algae is choking our lakes, and cancer rates in the Corn Belt are among the highest in the nation. But change is on the horizon. In July, the Michigan Supreme Court gave state regulators more power to control manure from animal feedlots— a step toward healthier ecosystems and communities. Today we are highlighting Keith Schneider’s Toxic Terrain water stories. Go to circleofblue.org to read these stories and more. #YearInWater #Climate #WaterResilience #CircleOfBlue #Waternews #2024InWater

At Circle of Blue, we bring urgent water issues to the forefront, empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to protect our most vital resource. Your support empowers the front-line reporting that holds leaders accountable, inspires innovation, and informs the most important decisions of our era. Will you do your part to power the type of news that builds a stronger world? Your contribution has double the impact right now thanks to NewsMatch, which is supporting exceptional journalism. To show your support with a contribution today, visit: https://lnkd.in/eFY6mVqT