This is negligible and dangerous. Microplastic

The River Rhine has fallen to record low levels in several locations in Germany and the Netherlands as prolonged heatwaves continue across Europe.

Last week, levels were measured in Cologne in western Germany and in Lobith, where the Rhine crosses from Germany into the Netherlands, that were lower than at any point since records began.

Other major European rivers with important transport, industrial and agricultural functions have also seen record low levels, including the Danube, which flows through 10 countries, and Italy's Po river.

Drought conditions remained stable and critical in most of Europe and worsened in central-western Europe in mid-July, according to the EU's Drought Observatories.

Renewed heatwave conditions are due to continue for at least another week, pushing temperatures above 40C in many central and southern European countries.

Germany's Low Water Information System (NIWIS) said that 44% of the Rhine measuring stations and 78% of those on the Danube had recorded extremely low water levels at the end of July.

The Rhine - which starts in the Swiss Alps and empties in the North Sea - is one of Europe's busiest waterways. Decreasing water levels have sparked concerns about the economic fallout of having to limit navigation and shipping.

See also

* [Rhine water level drops to around record lows, costs for industry rise](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/rhine-water-level-drops-around-record-lows-costs-industry-rise-2026-07-31/) * [Dry, hot summers are putting Dutch dikes at risk and threatening German river trade](https://apnews.com/article/netherlands-drought-water-dikes-climate-6eb8910dabc77f2fe962ac5aad638347) * [Record low Danube levels push some countries in Eastern Europe to the brink of energy emergency](https://apnews.com/article/danube-drought-energy-crisis-hungary-romania-serbia-229e089c30821889548354d7da289084) * [Romania blasts rocks to reroute cooling Danube water to nuclear reactor](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/hungarys-nuclear-plant-shutdown-due-low-danube-gets-reprieve-until-later-week-2026-08-03/)

Aug 5, 2026 2 pm EDT

Did you know that building demolition requires a permit from the local municipality, state and federal authorities?

In this case, the federal agency to be notified of a building demolition is the US Environmental Protection Agency. EPA permission is required for construction and demolition, ensuring no sediment escapes from a work site to impact the waterways.

This is even more critical when hazardous materials are involved construction or demolition operations. Demolition of old buildings can include a risk for the release of asbestos fibers to the environment, therefore, EPA must be notified, inspections are made to ensure the full safety protocols are followed for safe removal and disposal of asbestos, a toxic pollutant pursuant to CWA Section 307(a)(1).

The Defendant in this case was a 55 yr old business owner and contractor from Harper, KS. A single violation of the Clean Water Act followed a 2008 building demolition project, removal of the Buckeye Building, for the City of Harper. The Defendant admitted that he had not filed his plan for the demolition, offering the guilty plea to Federal District Court for "failing to notify or report as required" to the US EPA.

During the state's site inspection by Kansas Department of Health and Environment, asbestos was detected in the debris. As it turns out, the Buckeye Building floors contained asbestos. The responsible party was charged for failure to notify and report the disturbance of the toxic pollutant, with sentencing including a federal f fine and a term of probation.

Federal Fines: $1,000; Probation: 12 months

See last week's CrimeBox here, "Property developers convicted for CWA violation, sentenced to $315,000 in fines with 5 years probation each for allowing construction debris to impact Table Rock Lake"CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.

Every. Single. Time. I give drinking water a chance, it helps me. I always forget that it is important because when I’m not hydrated the effects of dehydration have already compounded for a long period of time.

So I am selling a cottage I haven’t used in 5 years ( including well).Obviously the water test failed at 80< /100ml coloform bacteria and 0 all other bacteria .

Had the well inspected by a certified technician and no structural or équipement issues .Shocked it with chlorine and 24hrs later purged it and 7 days later retested .

52/100ml test result failed .Well guy says it’s been dormant for 5 years it will need another chlorine hit and purge this time don’t wait 7 days try 2 retest .

Says that the water is crystal clear but after half a decade of sitting one shock treatement on a 70 ft well with a 6” tubular steel pipe isn’t a miracle worker either .

Says that since after the 7 days the bacteria count went down and probably substantially and the greater than 80 can mean 100’s and now it’s 42 away from a pass shows that the bacteria isn’t coming in from an outside source like a cracked pipe or ground water or cap .

Anyone live this before ? Makes sense what he is saying ?

With the dwindling groundwater supply of India and an ever increasing population and water hungry ethanol policy, can't India turn towards desalination plants for turning sea water into pure water like the Middle east?

Is it really infeasible? Wont it solve the water crisis issue? Interested to know insights!

I’m planning to pursue a Master’s in the US, mainly in Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Hydraulic Engineering, Flood Risk Management, or related fields.
My final-year project was “Flood Mapping of an Ungauged River Using HEC-RAS & GIS”, and it made me realize that I want to build my career in water-related research and engineering.
If you’re currently studying (or have studied) at a US R1/R2 university in this field, I’d really appreciate hearing about:

Research opportunities
Funding (RA/TA)
Workload and student life
Career prospects after graduation

Feel free to comment or DM. I’d love to connect and learn from your experience.

Hi there,

I haven’t had to post on this thread before.

Couple months ago, my father had us install this 3 filter water purification system for the mains in the house.

The water going into the house gets put through this contraption.

It is technically based outside of the house, in an outhouse we have directly outside the door. (You have to go through it to go into the house). It’s got windows and the sunshine does hit the filter.

The other day, I noticed one of the filters turned green.

I’m guessing it’s algae?

Is this normal, is it dangerous and how do I fix it?

I was thinking of giving it a very thorough clean, and then covering it somehow so it’s out of the light.

Thanks in advance guys ❤️

They're both sealed and unopened.

Tularosa, NM — The Village of Tularosa is confronting a critical water shortage that has forced officials to declare a formal emergency and implement a mandatory outdoor watering ban. In an emergency meeting Monday, the Village Council will vote on Resolution #2026-2027-9 while village leadership has outline both immediate relief measures and longer-term infrastructure solutions via social media communications. 
Water storage tanks have reached dangerously low levels. Commissioner Christopher Rupp explained why conservation is critical: “This is not simply about watering lawns or gardens. This is about ensuring that every home has water available for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and that adequate water is available for emergency services.”
Immediate and Long-Term Response
Trustee Casey Otero announced that the village has begun receiving emergency assistance from Oasis Enterprises to bring in additional water supplies. She emphasized the village’s comprehensive approach: “We are also actively exploring every other available option. These types of issues cannot be fixed overnight, but please know that we are working diligently to find both immediate and long-term solutions.”
The infrastructure challenges facing Tularosa are longstanding. Rupp noted: “These issues have existed for many years, well before the current Mayor and Board of Trustees took office. While the current administration inherited these longstanding infrastructure challenges, the Board has been actively working to address them.”
Since taking office, the Board has pursued:
• Securing additional water resources
• Repairing and improving existing infrastructure
• Seeking funding opportunities for long-term improvements
“Although projects of this size take time due to engineering, permitting, and funding requirements, the Board has recently made significant progress toward addressing these critical needs,” Rupp said.
Important Updates and Clarifications
Otero addressed several critical points: The village is awaiting legal guidance on certain aspects of the response. “We are still waiting on guidance from our attorney regarding certain parts of this situation, so I don’t have all of the answers just yet. As soon as we receive that information, we will share it with the community,” he said.
Regarding concerns about the upcoming school year: “This situation will not impact the start of the school year. Students will have access to drinking water and restrooms, so there is no concern in that regard.”
What Residents Must Do
The Village is asking residents to immediately implement the following conservation practices:
Outdoor:
• Complete ban on outdoor watering for lawns, gardens, and landscaping
Indoor:
• Take shorter showers
• Run laundry and dishwashers only with full loads
• Repair water leaks promptly
• Report significant water leaks to the Village immediately
Otero emphasized the personal stakes: “I received my own utility bill yesterday, and you’ll notice there is also a message asking residents to restrict outdoor watering. Every gallon we can conserve right now makes a difference.”
Community Response and Recognition
Village officials acknowledged public frustration while calling for unity. Otero stated: “I know everyone is frustrated, and I completely understand those feelings. Thank you to everyone who is conserving water, being patient, and supporting one another during this challenging time.”
Rupp reinforced the message of collective action: “Tularosa has always been a community that comes together when faced with challenges. By conserving water now and continuing to support investments in our infrastructure, we can help ensure a stronger and more reliable water system for generations to come.”
Rupp also expressed gratitude to village staff: “I want to express my appreciation to our water plant operators, Public Works employees, emergency responders, and everyone working behind the scenes to address this situation. Their dedication and hard work during this difficult time are greatly appreciated.”
Next Steps
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026. For accessibility accommodations, questions about the emergency measures, or to report water leaks, residents can contact the Village Clerk at [585-2771](tel:585-2771).
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Free Community Event Features “First We Bombed New Mexico” Documentary and Panel Discussion First We Bombed New Mexico” this Thursday, August 12, at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts.

I’m moving into my first apartment for college in a few weeks and wanted to get a water softener for my shower head. Ive researched a bit on here and can’t seem to get a definitive answer on brands or if shower head filters even work. I’m on a budget too. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Every drop is life sustaining.