New study maps Earth's hidden groundwater for the first time
(GizMag)
A new study has, for the first time, estimated the total volume of groundwater present on the Earth. The results show that we're using up the water supply quicker than it can be naturally replaced, while future research will seek to determine exactly how long it will be until modern groundwater runs dry.
Groundwater is an extremely precious resource, being a key source of sustenance for humanity and the ecosystems we inhabit.
A new study estimates a total volume of almost 23 million cubic kilometers of total groundwater. (Credit: University of Victoria/T Gleeson/K Befus/S Jasechko/E Luijendijk/M Cardenas)
It resides beneath the Earth's surface, ranges from millions of years to just months old, and exists in huge quantities – quite literally millions of cubic kilometers. While calculations back in the 1970s roughly estimated the global volume of groundwater, this new study represents the first detailed calculation of the exact quantity, and it could have big implications. | Full Story
Headlines
Lawmaker Ends Push to Disband Oil and Gas Agency
(Omaha World-Herald)
A state senator has reined in his earlier demand to disband the state agency that regulates Nebraska’s oil and gas industry.
Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm said Tuesday that he no longer thinks it would be possible to transfer the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s duties to other state agencies. He said he still has concerns, however, about how the commission regulates and promotes the production of oil and natural gas. | Full Article
Colorado Floats Unprecedented Plan to Tackle Water Challenges
(Denver Post)
Colorado officials are unveiling an unprecedented water plan, after a decade of statewide negotiations, that prioritizes water-saving in a $20 billion push to allow population growth in the face of huge projected shortfalls.
State water planners last month presented a roughly 480-page document to Gov. John Hickenlooper.
"Our footing is better now than it has ever been," Colorado Water Conservation Board director James Eklund said.
Priority action for the coming year: figuring out funding. Most of the $20 billion needed by 2050 would be paid by Front Range water providers. State costs of $3 billion to $6 billion — or $100 million a year, Eklund said — could come from new fees, private funders or a water tax if voters approve. | Full Article
Stormwater and Graywater Offer Alternative Water Sources, But Guidelines Needed on Their Safe Use, New Report Says
(National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine)
In the face of drought and major water shortages, the U.S. is increasingly turning to alternative water sources like stormwater and graywater, but guidelines and research on their risk to public health and the environment are needed to support decisions for safe use, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Graywater and stormwater could significantly supplement traditional potable water supplies using existing technology to capture and treat the waters, but there is currently limited information on the costs, benefits, risks, and regulation of such projects, the report concludes. Additional research and changes in infrastructure will be necessary to take full advantage of the potential of graywater and stormwater, the report adds. | Full Story
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