Filter By:
Type
State
Priority
Posted On
Search Results
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 Now, after over a century of neglect, it is undersized and outdated, and has led to raw sewage flowing into the city’s waterways and flooding residents’ basements.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
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
Harmful Algal Outbreaks and Drinking Water
In summer 2014 the residents in and around Toledo, Ohio were told not to drink, cook, or bathe with the water from their faucets. A massive growth of toxic blue-green algae got into Toledo's drinking water intake and the system had to be flushed. This toxic algae is mainly caused by nutrient pollution from farming activities with a little help from runoff from municipal wastewater systems and a boost from climate change. The rapid and large growth of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is known as a "Harmful Algal Bloom"(HAB). The drinking water disruption in Toledo drew increased attention to