New Report: Wasting Our Waterways 2012

A new report called "Wasting Our Waterways 2012: Toxic Industrial Pollution and the Unfulfilled Promise of the Clean Water Act" was released in March by the Environment America Research and Policy Center. This report outlines the effect of pollution from industrial facilities nationwide, and estimates that over 14,000 miles of river, and 220,000 acres of lakes, ponds, and estuaries have been negatively affected by this kind of pollution.

This map, accessed via Environment America, shows the pounds of toxins discharged, by state, in 2010. According to the report, millions of pounds of chemicals released by industrial facilities are dangerous to human health, linked to cancer and other disorders, as well as harmful to the environment. The report asks for the United States to "restore Clean Water Act protection to all of America's waterways and improve enforcement of the Clean Water Act," as well as reevaluating regulations for toxic chemical release by industrial facilities.

Click here to access the report and a summary by Environment America.

Does your community treat drinking water?

The Badger Herald reported yesterday that at least 60 Wisconsin communities are not treating drinking water. While the DNR can't mandate water treatment, they highly recommend it- untreated water can mean bacteria such as E.coli, as well as viruses, can enter our drinking water. Why not treat water? Some communities are concerned about the cost of the treatments, as well as the possible smell and taste of chlorine in the water.

Mineral Point found E.coli in its water in 2011, and subsequently installed a chlorination system, which cost the city about $15,000. Superintendent of water and sewer Pat O'Flahrity is quoted as saying "If you are going to err, then err on the side of public safety. This way you know. You've solved the problem...You're making sure that the water is safe."

Learn more here:

• Report linking the contamination of household tap water & viruses
• Click here to find out if your community disinfects its water
• Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water and Ground Water
• Books about drinking water quality from Wisconsin's Water Library

The Water Canary

Nope, it's not a bird; the Water Canary is a recently developed device which can instantly determine whether or not a water supply is contaminated. Developers of the device, which is named for the "canary in a coal mine" warning system, hope that it can be used to detect water supply contamination after a disaster.

Since the device is able to transmit GPS-tagged data, results shared in real time could help contain contamination and prevent the spread of water-borne illnesses. Users merely insert a water sample, and if the water is contaminated, a red light is displayed. Safe water is indicated with a green light. The Water Canary company hopes that its product will be ready for release in the next year, and will plan to open source their hardware so anyone can contribute to development.

For more information, visit Water Canary's website, or watch a recent TED Talk by designer Sonaar Luthra.

Photo via Water Canary Technology

Ancient Water Harvesting

Water harvesting and water supply issues are pressing concerns in today's society. However, in some societies, ancient methods of collecting and transporting water are still used, and are often superior to modern structures. Anupam Mishra is an environmental activist who studies rainwater harvesting methods in the Indian desert, such as wells, filter ponds, and other systems.

In a 2009 TED Talk, "The ancient ingenuity of water harvesting," Mishra states that, "The center of life is water." He cites four steps in the process of developing successful systems: concept, planning, making, and perhaps most important, maintaining. Many societies maintain succesful harvesting methods without a dedicated government department or any funding at all. The secret, according to Anupam Mishra, is respect. In the desert communities he studies, clean water is a high priority, and everyone works to protect the water supply.

Looking for more info? Check out our drinking water resources at the Water Library, or click here to view Anupam Mishra's full TED Talk.

Pharmaceuticals Contamination in the Great Lakes

Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals can lead to eventual contamination of the Great Lakes, which threatens humans as well as wildlife, according to a recent report by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

While it is difficult to say what impacts this may have on humans, scientists have found that such contamination can lead to problems such as birth defects in fish. It's also difficult to track the source of the contamination, which can come from humans washing off topical medications, from waste matter, or from flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage.

With so many factors involved, it may be better to treat the contamination itself rather than the cause. Some scientists believe the best treatment is to add ozone to wastewater, a process which oxidizes the chemicals. Some water treatment plants in the Great Lakes area are already using this process.

What can you do to help prevent the contamination of the Great Lakes? While some communities have access to a secure medication collection box, individuals can also mix medications with kitty litter or coffee grounds and seal them in a plastic container.

More information available at Great Lakes Echo.

Drinking Water Research Challenges

What does it mean to have safe drinking water? What does water conservation really entail? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there are three main research challenges to consider when studying drinking water. Wisconsin's Water Library holds many resources on these topics. Click the links within this post to find library reading lists and take on some research of your own!

The first challenge is to protect the source of water- either groundwater or surface water- especially as water is becoming a scarce resource in many locations. The second is to harness the flow of water- developing technologies that control runoff. The third is to treat and deliver safe water.

Scientists and researchers have been studying to meet these three challenges for nearly a century. For more information, visit "From Source to Tap" at the US EPA website.

Beach Cleanups on the Great Lakes

The most common pieces of trash found on Great Lakes beaches are cigarette butts- 129,697 in 2011 alone, to be exact. Just ask the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a Chicago-based nonprofit that plays a big role in keeping Great Lakes beaches swimmer friendly. AGL works with individuals, families, and businesses to help sponsor beach cleanups in all six Great Lakes states- Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and New York. While volunteers are organized year round, this is the biggest month for the organization, with thousands of volunteers joining together for the September Adopt-A-Beach day, this year on September 17th.

According to their website, 70,000 volunteers have picked up 164 tons of debris from Great Lakes beaches since 1991- in the month of September alone. Volunteers keep track of their finds, counting and weighing everything. AGL keeps careful statistics of this information- recent data is available in an online searchable directory. Cleanups also include water testing for bacteria to determine if water is safe for swimming.

Volunteers weigh their trash bags at Montrose Beach, Chicago, IL.

Interested in adopting a beach or helping with a future cleanup? Click here to find out about opportunities to partner with the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Photo courtesy of Lloyd DeGrane

Phosphorus Rules in Effect in Wisconsin

Passed in June this year by the Natural Resources Board, the Phosphorus Rules will go into effect this month. Compliance with these rules, basically governing the numeric level of phosphorus that can be permitted to enter the water, will help to keep waters cleaner and will ultimately benefit fish and wildlife, fisheries, waterfront property owners, and recreational water users among others. Some of the negative effects of phosphorus include "toxic algae, excessive weed growth and murky water" (WDNR release).

The rules were developed over a period of time based on years of scientific research and evidence. Input from farmers, water treatment systems, manufacturers, food processors, local governments and environmental groups was also essential in their formation. There is also further work being done to help lower the cost of compliance.

For more information, see the WDNR news release.

Photo from theecologist.org.

Road Sealant Responsible for Water Contamination

Water samples have been taken from Alaska to Florida by the USGS and results are in. Contaminated lakes and rivers show a higher concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on the rise since the 1960s. These contaminants are toxic for fish and other aquatic life.

Researchers have found the main source of the PAHs to be coal-tar-based pavement sealant. One of the most common uses for this material is the squiggly, shiny black lines that seal the cracks in roadways. While effective, this material has a life span of only three to five years and is easily being transmitted into lakes and stream ecosystems. Storm runoff is a common mode of travel for PAHs from the sealant into the lakes.

The USGS news release gives further details, and the full journal article is available in Science of the Total Environment. For further reading suggestions, see our recommended reading list on Understanding and Protecting Groundwater.

Photo from concierge.com.

New Rules Regarding Groundwater Virus Treatment

Later this year, rules will go into effect that require disinfection of water by all municipal water systems in Wisconsin. This will increase protection for any state residents whose drinking water comes from groundwater. These rules are based on a discovery highlighted in the 2010 Groundwater Coordinating Council Report that showed viruses are able to travel through layers of rock and soil, which was previously thought to be an adequate filtration system. The Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) is responsible for identifying areas where research is needed, reviewing research proposals, and publicizing research findings.

In addition to assessing water quality, the 2010 GCC Report also "described recent research on arsenic treatment, the effects of nitrates on stream invertebrates, the occurrence of mercury in wetlands, extreme precipitation events and developing new tools for investigating fecal contamination" (WDNR Release).

Wisconsin's Water Library offers reading lists for the following related topics: Arsenic in Groundwater, Drinking Water Quality, Protecting our Wetlands, Understanding & Protecting Groundwater and Wastewater Treatment.

Photo of Wauwatosa Water Tank from Wikipedia.

UW Water Resources Institute's New Videos

Within the past month, the UW Water Resources Institute has added two new videos. Produced by John Karl, these short YouTube videos are informative and to the point, a very effective way to spread some news from the field.

The first video(above), entitled "Testing Well Water for Microorganisms," explains a simple process of water testing to check for contaminants. The goal of the project is a methodology to find the source of the contamination.

In the second video, "A New Measure of Groundwater Flow," researchers experiment with pumping hot water into a well to determine the flow of the groundwater. The hot water will disperse more quickly if the water flow is quicker. Watch this video and others on University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute's YouTube channel.

EPA Promotes Lakeshore Stewardship

Scientists studying lakeshores have determined that poor lakeshore habitats have a direct relationship with a poor overall biological condition of the surrounded lake. The National Lakes Assessment (NLA) released a report earlier this year showing that while 56% of lakes are in good biological condition, nearly one third suffer from poor lakeshore habitats.

In light of these findings, EPA's Office of Water has launched a new Web clearinghouse called Lake Shoreland Protection Resources with information about protecting and restoring lake shorelands. It includes links to webcasts, fact sheets, videos and other resources. This is part of an outreach campaign to educate the public about NLA's findings.

More information for property owners is available through the Web clearinghouse or in the pdf "Shoreland Property: A Guide to Environmentally Sound Ownership." See our reading list for further reading on Coastal Community Planning & Development.

Photo of Yellow Birch Lake by Amy De Simone

USGS Finds Elevated Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Groundwater

While nitrogen and phosphorus levels were previously an issue in groundwater systems, and many steps have been taken, and money spent to attempt to address this issue, a recently released study by the USGS shows that these levels have stayed the same or even risen since the 1990's. Some streams contain levels two to ten times higher than what is recommended by the EPA's Water Quality Standards. Areas affected most nationally include the Northeast, Midwest, and Northwest due to high use of fertilizer and manure for agricultural purposes.

Beside threatening aquaculture in these streams, drinking water with high nitrate levels is also a concern for humans. Aquifers and shallow wells are at risk and the potential for these nitrate levels to rise in the next few years as groundwater high in nutrient concentration penetrates the soil. Since private wells are not under the jurisdiction of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, homeowners should test their water annually to make sure that it is safe.

The USGS's fact sheet for Nutrients in the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater gives a detailed analysis of the study's findings. For further reading suggestions, see our recommended reading list on drinking water quality.

Photo courtesy of Roger Wendell.

Highlight on Cat Islands

Last week, Lisa Jackson, US EPA administer, announced EPA’s first Great Lakes Restoration Initiative competitive grants which included a $1.5 million dollar grant for the Cat Island Chain Restoration Project in lower Green Bay.

Details of the project funded by the grant are:

Grant Number: 00E00552
Total Federal Award: $1,500,000
Applicant Name: Brown County
Project Title: Cat Island Chain Restoration Project

Project Description: This project supports the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, pursuant to Public Law 111-88. Specifically, it consists of constructing a 2.5 mile barrier in Lower Green Bay to begin the process of restoring the Cat Island Chain of barrier islands. Three barrier islands will be created over the next 20 years. These islands will protect and enhance 1,400 acres surrounding Duck Creek (a tributary to Green Bay). This project will also provide immediate environmental benefits by protecting wetlands and promoting emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation growth in Lower Green Bay.

Vicky Harris, Wisconsin Sea Grant outreach specialist, has been working in this area for years. Read about her work.

To learn more about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, visit their website.

image above from Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Where Does the Salt from Winter Roads Go?

A recently released study conducted by the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center has shown that streams are being adversely affected by the use of salt for deicing roads, sidewalks and parking lots. The study focused especially on eastern Wisconsin and Milwaukee, but also included other northern U.S. cities.

In eastern and south-central Wisconsin, chloride levels exceeding US EPA chronic water quality criteria were found in 100 percent of urban streams during winter. These chloride levels are the determinant of toxicity in the water. Further, the chloride levels of the water were not declining enough even by the time summer came in order for those streams to be suitable for many aquatic inhabitants. Nationally, 55 percent of northern streams samples chloride levels exceeded US EPA chronic water-quality criteria.

Matthew C. Larsen, the Associate Director for Water at the USGS says: "This study suggests the need for advancements that will reduce salt loads to surface waters." Read the full release: "Many Urban Streams Harmful to Aquatic Life Following Winter Pavement Deicing" on the USGS website. For further reading suggestions, see our recommended reading list on Understanding and Protecting Groundwater.

Photo by Michael Pereckas

Atrazine and the African clawed frog

Wisconsin's Water Library's AskWater email reference service often responds to questions about frogs. Cricket frogs, Spring Peeper frogs, Northern Leopard frogs, and, of course, Bullfrogs, there are many species found throughout Wisconsin. From flooded prairie to ephemeral pond, our state provides many habitats for a peaceful evening of frog song.

But frogs also play an important roll as indicator species. Their abundance and overall health often reflect the health of whole ecosystems. Frogs are being carefully watched by scientists.

A new study published by the National Academy of Science analyzes atrazine and it's affect on the African clawed frog. A popular corn herbicide, atrazine is one of the most commonly applied pesticides in the world. And, as a result, it's often found in ground and surface waters. In Wisconsin, for example, a 2005 DATCP survey of 16,000 private wells showed that almost 40% tested positive for it (FY 2009 Groundwater Coordinating Council Report to the Legislature, p. 74).

According to the new study, this is bad for frogs.

Atrazine-exposed males were both demasculinized (chemically castrated) and completely feminized as adults. Ten percent of the exposed genetic males developed into functional females that copulated with unexposed males and produced viable eggs. Atrazine-exposed males suffered from depressed testosterone, decreased breeding gland size, demasculinized/feminized laryngeal development, suppressed mating behavior, reduced spermatogenesis, and decreased fertility.

If you'd like to know more, read the study here.
Or, check out the Wisconsin's Water Library's recommended reading list on frogs.

Featured Web site: The Lower Fox River Basin

The Lower Fox River Basin encompasses 638 square miles in northeastern Wisconsin. The basin stretches from northeastern Winnebago County to the mouth of the Fox River in Brown County. The Lower Fox River originates at the outlet of Lake Winnebago and flows northeast for 39 miles where it empties into Green Bay. Click here to view a 360 ° panoramic view of the mouth of the Fox River where it empties into the bay.

Learn about what is happening in this river basin:

Link.

Wondering what's in your water?

Have you ever wondered what's in your drinking water? With a recent high-profile series called Toxic Waters in the New York Times on the state of the nation's water supply, it's no surprise that at least one user of Ask Water, our online reference service, did.

Thankfully, when it comes to drinking water, there's a mandate of transparency. Water systems that serve the same population year-round, known as Community Water Systems, are required to file Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) annually. Including basic data on contaminants, violations and their potential health effects, and other water-related educational information, CCRs are good places to start learning about what's in your water.

And they're convenient. Since Community Water Systems are required to make a good-faith effort to notify their users, they often arrive without even asking. Maybe you've found one in your mailbox.

But if you haven't, don't worry. A few online databases can also do the trick.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources maintains the Drinking Water System, a database on water quality testing that includes links to CCRs. It can be searched by Public Water System, or other things, like specific contaminants.

Nationally, the EPA also has a number of databases, including the Safe Drinking Water Information System. It can be found at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/databases/index.html

2009 Sea Grant Awards

Congratulations to Wisconsin Sea Grant specialist Victoria Harris! She recently received a Mid-Career Sea Grant Award. Harris has been a Wisconsin Sea Grant specialist of Water Quality & Habitat Restoration for 10 years. From her office on the UW-Green Bay campus, she serves the area around Green Bay, Lake Michigan, including Brown, Oconto, Marinette and Door counties. Vicky’s initiatives focus on contaminated sediment remediation of the Fox River and Green Bay, sustainable community development, nonpoint-source pollution prevention in the Fox-Wolf and Green Bay watersheds, coastal habitat protection and restoration, and ecosystem responses to water quality improvements. She holds B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

To learn more about Harris, go to http://seagrant.wisc.edu/ecosystems/.

To view all Sea Grant award winners, click on Sea Grant.

In the News: Stimulus money coming to Wisconsin to prevent water pollution

One million dollars will help Wisconsin and Minnesota prevent water pollution.

Governor Doyle announced that he will allocate $65,000 of this funding to support existing collaborative efforts with Minnesota to improve water quality on the St. Croix River, including reducing runoff of nutrient rich soil from constructions sites and farms in both states.

"In Wisconsin, we are blessed with an abundance of fresh water," Governor Doyle said. "From our rivers, to our lakes, to our Great Lakes, our waters define who we are. They drive our economy. They drive our recreation. They drive our way of life. I am pleased to allocate $65,000 to help improve water quality on the St. Croix River. Pollution is a continuing problem as populations along the river continues to increase. Wisconsin and Minnesota must continue to work hard and work together to protect this natural resource."

To read full article, go to WKOWTV.com.