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6 Million Gallons of Sewage in Baltimore's Waterways
When Baltimore City’s sewer system was first installed in 1909, it was considered cutting edge technology. Now, after over a century of neglect, it is undersized and outdated, and has led to raw sewage flowing into the city’s waterways and flooding residents’ basements. After the powerful storm that hit the Baltimore area last Saturday, the city’s department of public works announced that almost 6 million gallons of sewage were discharged into local streams, staining the Jones Falls river brown and further contaminating the city’s already polluted waterways, which continue to receive failing
Reducing Stormwater Runoff in the Chesapeake Bay
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading contributors to pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. After big storms, the water carries whatever is on the ground and in the streets into our waterways. Impervious surfaces, such as the roads and pavement that cover densely populated areas, don’t allow rain to seep into the ground, causing more polluted stormwater to enter the Bay.
Flash flood shows need for better stormwater restoration plans
On Saturday, July 30th, a flash flood devastated Ellicott City. Approximately six inches of rain fell in two hours, which carried away over 100 vehicles and caused millions of dollars of damage to the City’s roads, sidewalks, and buildings. Not only was there severe destruction of infrastructure, but the storm also killed two people who were swept away by the water. Downtown Ellicott City has been evacuated, and no one knows how long the residents and businesses will be displaced. Governor Hogan has declared a state of emergency for the area. Although Ellicott City is prone to flooding due to
Victory! Pittsburgh Enacts Single-Use Bag Ban
Victory! Just in time for Earth Day, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a ban on wasteful single-use plastic bags. The ordinance is expected to reduce distribution of nearly 110 million plastic bags annually and decrease plastic litter. Clean Water Action is grateful to have played a part in making this happen. Thank you to every member and supporter who took action!
Pittsburgh is now the 6th municipality in the commonwealth to pass this kind of policy, joining Philadelphia, West Chester, and others. The ordinance prohibits retailers and restaurants from distributing single-use
Background: Federal Regulation of Lead in Drinking Water
For our introduction to lead and drinking water, click here.
The Federal Government regulates lead in drinking water, primarily through the Lead and Copper Rule.
Lead and Copper Rule
Adopted as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1991 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)'s purpose is to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper exposure at the tap.
The LCR requires water systems to monitor the drinking water they provide and control for corrosion. Because lead can get into drinking water at various points throughout the system, as