Stripping federal protection for clean water harms just about everyone, especially already vulnerable communities

These aren’t abstract problems. They’re happening right now, in real communities, to real people.

Jeremy Orr, Adjunct Professor of Law, Michigan State University • conversation
April 22, 2025 ~9 min

Southern California is extremely dry, and that’s fueling fires − maps show just how dry

The state is seeing a sharp water divide this year, with lots of rain in the north while the south has stayed dry. A hydrologist explains what’s happening.

Ming Pan, Senior Research Hydrologist, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Jan. 9, 2025 ~4 min


A quarter of freshwater animals threatened with extinction, finds major new study

Scientists have assessed more than 23,000 species.

Iwan Jones, Freshwater Ecologist and Head of the River Communities Group, Queen Mary University of London • conversation
Jan. 8, 2025 ~6 min

I’ve read hundreds of diary entries to quantify the restorative power of Scotland’s lochs and rivers

Diary entries revealed people’s strong appreciation of Scotland’s freshwater environments.

Megan Grace, PhD Candidate, Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling • conversation
Sept. 2, 2024 ~5 min

We’ve found a way to help endangered eels overcome dams and weirs

Researchers say eel tiles offer conservationists a new fish passage solution that could slow down the population decrease of the European eel.

Catherine Wilson, Professor in Environmental Hydraulics, Cardiff University • conversation
June 18, 2024 ~6 min

How DNA analysis of our rivers and lakes can reveal new secrets about their biodiversity

Our research suggests environmental DNA analysis could transform traditional ways of monitoring freshwater ecosystems.

Simon Creer, Professor in Molecular Ecology, Bangor University • conversation
June 13, 2024 ~8 min

Thirsty in paradise: Water crises are a growing problem across the Caribbean islands

Water is everywhere, but freshwater supplies are limited on many Caribbean islands. Rising demand and climate change are worsening water shortages for the people who live here.

Farah Nibbs, Assistant Professor of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
May 13, 2024 ~10 min

How to provide reliable water in a warming world – these cities are testing small-scale treatment systems and wastewater recycling

Water shortages are one of the greatest problems created by a warming world. A decentralized water system is a compelling counterargument to the notion that bigger is better.

Lu Liu, Assistant Professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University • conversation
Dec. 15, 2023 ~10 min


What is seawater intrusion? A hydrogeologist explains the shifting balance between fresh and salt water at the coast

Saltwater intrusion is bad for human health, ecosystems, crops and infrastructure. Here’s how seawater can move inland, and why climate change is making this phenomenon more frequent and severe.

Holly Michael, Director, Delaware Environmental Institute, and Professor of Earth Sciences and Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware • conversation
Oct. 11, 2023 ~8 min

How California could save up its rain to ease future droughts — instead of watching epic atmospheric river rainfall drain into the Pacific

Urban infrastructure was designed to take stormwater out to the ocean quickly. Now, California needs that precious water.

Andrew Fisher, Professor of Earth Science, University of California, Santa Cruz • conversation
Jan. 6, 2023 ~7 min

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