water management
Newsletter
Supreme Court blocks Rio Grande water deal between Texas and New Mexico
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government must be involved in any water agreements between Texas and New Mexico concerning the Rio Grande.
Alejandra Martinez and Berenice Garcia report for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision mandates federal involvement in water management agreements between states.
- Texas and New Mexico's recent agreement excluded federal input, leading to the ruling.
- The decision affects water distribution from the Rio Grande, impacting international treaties and regional drought management.
Key quote:
"We cannot now allow Texas and New Mexico to leave the United States up the river without a paddle."
— Majority opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court
Why this matters:
The ruling underscores the complexity of water management in drought-prone regions and highlights the federal government's role in resolving interstate water disputes. The decision could influence future negotiations and water policies amid increasing water scarcity.
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Credit: Christopher Porter/Flickr
A new approach to rainwater management: Amsterdam's blue-green roofs
Amsterdam is leading a global trend in smart, climate-adaptive rooftops that capture rainwater to reduce flooding and provide water for residents.
In short:
- Amsterdam has more than 45,000 square meters of blue-green roofs, designed to capture and store rainwater for later use.
- The blue-green roofs have layers that collect water for building residents to use for watering plants and flushing toilets.
- The Resilio project, using specialized software, is modeling the impact of these roofs to help predict and manage flooding.
Key quote:
“Our philosophy in the end is not that on every roof, everything is possible, but that on every roof, something is possible.”
— Kasper Spaan, policy developer for climate adaptation at Waternet
Why this matters:
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms, innovative water management solutions like blue-green roofs can significantly reduce flooding while providing sustainable water resources to urban communities. Read more: Embracing rainwater through green infrastructure.
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Credit: Russ Allison Loar/Flickr
Will a shrinking Colorado River shrivel the produce aisle?
The U.S. gets its leafy greens and other fresh produce from the Southwest in winter. Less Colorado River water could mean higher prices or more imported.
Credit: Colin/Flickr
Some California farmers pay for groundwater. Is that workable?
A conversation with Coral Davenport, a climate reporter, about a novel water payment system in the Pajaro Valley.
Credit: IBM Research/Flickr
Indiana’s plan to pipe in groundwater for microchip-making draws fire
The state is courting high-tech investments, but a new industrial park may lack enough water. Opponents say piping it from miles away might dry out residential wells.
Credit: Sam Beebe/Flickr
Spying on beavers from space could help save California
A group of scientists taught an algorithm to spot beaver ponds in satellite imagery, which has the potential to help drought-ridden areas like California bounce back.
Credit: Richard Crook/Flickr
Spanish minister hails deal to save Andalucía wetlands as a model for green transition
€1.4bn deal to protect Doñana national park will diversify local economy and stop farmers using aquifers to irrigate fruit crops.
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