A new initiative, led by Paul Gagliardo, aims to share engaging and informative content about water with both the general public and water professionals.
80% of the water usage worldwide is used for irrigated agricultural purposes. This includes growing crops like corn, nuts, fruits, and vegetables as well as providing water for livestock. Efficient irrigation systems and water conservation practices are essential to manage this demand and ensure sustainable water use in agriculture.
Let’s work towards sustainable farming and smarter irrigation to conserve this vital resource.
It’s time to rethink how we manage and treat our water. By shifting toward point-of-use treatment and designing systems that deliver water fit for purpose, we can improve efficiency, lower costs, and better steward our resources.
With over 2,000 plants nationwide, states like Oregon, California, and Washington lead the way in harnessing the power of water for renewable energy.
What role do you think hydropower should play in the future of clean energy?
Blue Lake in New Zealand boasts an astonishing underwater visibility of 250 feet, comparable to distilled water.
Lake Tahoe, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in the world, has been studied for over 60 years. Its clarity has declined from 102 feet in 1968 to 81 feet today.
Microscopic zooplankton help keep Tahoe clean and scientists are studying them to better manage lake ecosystems worldwide. 🔬
How does water clarity in your local lakes compare and what might be affecting it?
Built over a century ago, the canal remains a key player in international trade today.
How do you think modern infrastructure projects compare to the impact and ambition of the Panama Canal?
What’s your favorite example of nature-inspired innovation, or what challenge do you think biomimicry could help solve next? 🌿💡
While land has been privately owned for thousands of years, water remains a public trust resource—available for reasonable and beneficial use, but not owned.
Yet, when water is manufactured—through desalination or advanced recycling—it becomes something else: a commodity.
Should this water follow the same rules? Or do we need a new framework for managing engineered water? An important conversation for the future of water governance.
Just like the canary in the coal mine once warned miners of danger, marine animals are sending us urgent signals.
Oysters, whales, sea lions, needlefish, and manatees—these sentinel species reveal the hidden toll of pollution: microplastics, toxic algae, sewage, and fertilizer runoff.
By observing them, we can better understand—and act on—the health of our oceans. 🌍
What changes have you seen in marine life near you?
As hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather events become more common, having an emergency kit isn’t optional—it’s essential.
The top priority? Water.
🚰 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
🚰 Don’t forget your pets—they need a gallon a day too.
Are you prepared? How much water do you have stored at home—for yourself, your family, and your pets?
In 1972, astronauts captured the famous Blue Marble—Earth glowing blue from space. But billions of years ago, our oceans may have looked green, rich with iron and waiting for oxygen to turn them blue.
The color of our seas tells the story of life, chemistry, and change. From green to blue—and maybe one day, purple or red—Earth is always evolving.
Today, from the high desert of New Mexico, we’re reflecting on the power of water, the beauty of our planet, and the science that helps us protect it.
Throughout history, water has symbolized purification and renewal in religious and cultural traditions worldwide.
The concept of water as a source of renewal extends to mythology as well. The legendary Fountain of Youth, said to restore youth to those who drink or bathe in its waters, is believed to have originated in India before reaching Europe in the 7th century. This legend later inspired Ponce de León’s famed expedition from Puerto Rico in search of it in the New World.
From the Clean Water Act to today, infrastructure funding has evolved—but aging pipes and rising costs demand more federal investment.
With $20 billion recently allocated for lead service line replacement and PFAS treatment, are we doing enough to support municipalities in repairing vital water systems?
Nearly 30% of the world’s freshwater lies underground, but excessive pumping is depleting aquifers faster than they can recharge. The consequences—lowered water tables, land subsidence, and ecosystem damage—highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management.
What are some sustainable practices that can help slow groundwater depletion and protect this vital resource for future generations?
Our urban system was not designed for wildfire management. In this week’s Wednesday Water, Paul Gagliardo delves deeper into the topic.
🤔 What are your thoughts on how our urban systems can adapt to better address the growing challenge of wildfire management?