Water Hub

Lead in school drinking water is a preventable crisis, yet recent testing in Syracuse schools revealed unsafe levels in 1 in 10 fixtures, with some fountains testing 400 times above the safe limit. Recent water testing in Syracuse schools revealed unsafe lead levels in 1 in 10 fixtures, with some fountains testing up to 400 times above the safe limit. Experts say the solution is clear and affordable: centralized filling stations with point-of-use filters. As Erik Olson from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states, “Today you can test and find no problem, and tomorrow, you can test and find a real problem. If you install filters, you know you’ve taken care of the problem.” Maggie Hicks and Michelle Breidenbach cover the issue for syracuse.com: https://lnkd.in/g3FqHcTH

Wisconsin is leading the way in removing lead pipes and ensuring safer drinking water for its communities. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gX73NpbX

What if waste wool could help solve the West’s water crisis? Farmers are using wool pellets made from waste to retain water, enrich soil, and replace synthetic fertilizers—all while reducing the environmental impact of traditional farming methods. Supported by programs like the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, this approach is gaining traction among smaller farmers and researchers, with the potential to scale up. Read more from Lindsey B. King in TIME: https://lnkd.in/eaH2VpdQ

"While the Clean Water Act regulated discharges to waterways, and required upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, the #SafeDrinkingWaterAct regulated the contaminants that flowed out of peoples’ taps by setting limits for certain chemicals in drinking water. After the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act, waterborne diseases plummeted, water monitoring increased and more funding was allocated to upgrade drinking water treatment." 'There’s just been a lot of real progress in terms of requirements, minimum standards, monitoring that is required, the collection of data,' said Julian Gonzalez, senior legislative counsel for the environmental group Earthjustice. 'We just know a lot more about our water sources, where we get our water from.'" Read more from Zoë Read in WHYY: https://lnkd.in/e-Cy2Jbd #SDWA50

This January, we’re celebrating 5 years of the Water Hub! 🎉 Just before 2024 came to a close, Nicole reflected on our journey—what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and where we’re headed. As we mark this milestone, we’re also taking this season to rest and reflect, balancing challenges with a shared vision for better futures. Nicole’s blog post shares insights on what’s working, where we can grow, and how to stay grounded and hopeful in this work. 🌊 Read Nicole's 5 year reflection on our blog: https://lnkd.in/e_-8TEGE

“The water, the soil, the plants and human health — they’re all connected,” says Paulina López. The dream is to have a river people can cool off in during heat waves, that provides fish that are safe to eat and to make sure the community has full access to a clean, healthy environment. Feeling fortunate I got to kayak the Duwamish thanks to Paulina and DUWAMISH RIVER COMMUNITY COALITION at a recent River Network board meeting.

Missed it? Our #JustInfrastructure campaign debrief is now live! Learn more about our insights into water infrastructure storytelling, learn more about our collaborations with artists and organizers, and see our key digital takeaways from the campaign. 📽️Watch the debrief on our blog here: https://lnkd.in/eHvGJCED

"Safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental right for all," says Laurene Allen, founder of Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water. Her story highlights how a community can come together to advocate for solutions that protect public health and ensure access to clean water. 📽️ Watch the full video to learn about Laurene’s inspiring journey and the power of collective action. #SafeDrinkingWater #PFAS #SDWA50

❄️🌊 Winter reflections & water action! Have you read the latest Water Cooler? The December edition of our newsletter dives into values-based messaging, #SDWA50, and a sneak peek at an upcoming Appalachian documentary we're working on 👀 As Jessica Jewell shares, "The path ahead is going to challenge us all to be resilient and united in our vision for the human right to water and climate justice for all — no matter where you were born, where you live, or how much money you make." Read more below, and sign up to get the next edition delivered to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/d6mjjKPF

Fifty years ago, the Safe Drinking Water Act (#SDWA50) set a standard for protecting our communities' access to clean, safe drinking water. As Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of FLOW (For Love of Water), highlights in this video, we’ve come a long way—but challenges like lead contamination, #PFAS, and water shutoffs persist, disproportionately impacting underserved communities. There’s still work to do, but the anniversary is a reminder that we need #SafeAffordableWater for all and we need to honor the lived experience and leadership of communities at most risk. Join us in celebrating #SDWA50. 🗺️Learn more below and add your story and other resources to the map: https://lnkd.in/gcytG6m7