I am sure most of the people would be like me seeing the advs on the tooth paste that fluoriod is good for our teeth... But the following news said that there might be a negative effects on fluoridated Water. It is for sure any chemical would have the side effect. The best way out is get the research organization's to do a research immediately & find out the details & keep people informed & call for the remedy actions.
Fluoride debate renewed in Central Oregon
The Associated Press 12/16/2004, 12:25 a.m. PT
REDMOND, Ore. (AP) — Dentist Mark Jensen of Bend can always tell when someone is not from these parts. It's all in the smile.
"When people move here, you can look at their teeth and tell that they've come from fluoridated areas," said Jensen of Bend, the past president of the Oregon Dental Association. "It's incredible."
Less than a quarter of Oregonians drink fluoridated water. Residents in the many areas without it have been skeptical, deciding that messing with the water supply is not a wise trade off for good-looking teeth.
The Deschutes County Public Health Community Advisory Board recently voted to support fluoridation, renewing a debate that has flickered in Central Oregon since the 1950s.
"I really think its time has come," said Dan Peddycord, director of the county's health department. "The dental health care of Oregon's children is going in a backwards direction."
The advisory board vote is a preliminary step that carries no legal weight. Only the agencies that regulate water systems, such as the Bend and Redmond city councils, have the authority to fluoridate water, said Tom Charbonneau, a regional engineer with the Oregon Department of Human Services.
"Generally what happens is they end up voting on it," Charbonneau said.
Bend city officials approved a fluoridation ordinance in 1952, after a group of women expressed concern about tooth decay.
Anti-fluoridation residents succeeded in getting the measure on a citywide ballot, and voters backed fluoridation. But opponents forced another vote and voters approved an ordinance prohibiting fluoridation of Bend's water supply in 1956.
Another attempt to add fluoride to the Bend water supply failed in 2000.
Opponents of fluoridation see the chemical as an unregulated industrial waste product that could cause negative health effects. Moreover, they say there's no definitive proof that fluoridated water prevents tooth decay. Read More...
Fluoride debate renewed in Central Oregon - OregonLive.com's
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Friday, December 17, 2004
The use of carbon for removing radon from drinking water - Specialized News and How To Tips
In fact according to my research, most of the water filter on sales in the market are active carbon filter. With the current price & water shortage using of 50-100 gallons per person per day is consider on the high side.
The use of carbon for removing radon from drinking water
By Dr. Paul D. Robillard, Dr. William E. Sharpe, Bryan R. Swistock
Radon has become a highly publicized health threat, as the naturally occurring radioactive gas has seeped out of the earth�s crust and into the basements of homes across the nation.
Waterborne radon usually originates in deep wells that tap radon-contaminated groundwater, although community water supplies with surface reservoirs may also have a problem with radon.
EPA estimates that 2-5 percent of airborne radon comes from household water, but there are ways to solve the problem.
Detection and testing
Testing for radon in water requires special sampling and laboratory analysis techniques that measure its presence before it escapes from the sample; direct water sampling is by far the most accurate method.
Point-of-entry treatment
Another method for removing radon from water is a granular activated carbon (GAC) unit.
GACs are constructed of a fiberglass tank containing granular activated carbon � a fine material that traps and holds the radon.
GAC filters will remove radon indefinitely providing that sediments or organic pollutants have not clogged the filter, but a major drawback is that if radon is present, the filter becomes radioactive as it picks up the gas.
Proper maintenance and handling of the GAC unit can minimize exposure risks. Redevelopment of the well intake or a sediment filter is vital to protecting the fine carbon from fouling and clogging.
Elimination of the sediment source or a sediment filter placed ahead of the GAC tank is the best protection against clogging.Read More...
Specialized News and How To Tips
The use of carbon for removing radon from drinking water
By Dr. Paul D. Robillard, Dr. William E. Sharpe, Bryan R. Swistock
Radon has become a highly publicized health threat, as the naturally occurring radioactive gas has seeped out of the earth�s crust and into the basements of homes across the nation.
Waterborne radon usually originates in deep wells that tap radon-contaminated groundwater, although community water supplies with surface reservoirs may also have a problem with radon.
EPA estimates that 2-5 percent of airborne radon comes from household water, but there are ways to solve the problem.
Detection and testing
Testing for radon in water requires special sampling and laboratory analysis techniques that measure its presence before it escapes from the sample; direct water sampling is by far the most accurate method.
Point-of-entry treatment
Another method for removing radon from water is a granular activated carbon (GAC) unit.
GACs are constructed of a fiberglass tank containing granular activated carbon � a fine material that traps and holds the radon.
GAC filters will remove radon indefinitely providing that sediments or organic pollutants have not clogged the filter, but a major drawback is that if radon is present, the filter becomes radioactive as it picks up the gas.
Proper maintenance and handling of the GAC unit can minimize exposure risks. Redevelopment of the well intake or a sediment filter is vital to protecting the fine carbon from fouling and clogging.
Elimination of the sediment source or a sediment filter placed ahead of the GAC tank is the best protection against clogging.Read More...
Specialized News and How To Tips
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Ancient Chinese Consumed Fermented Drinks
It is interesting to know that Chinese Fermented drinks date back to 7,000 to 9,000 years B.C.. I know that the inventor of Wine is "Du Kang". In the old days the brewer's always worship him as the God of Wine, Li Pai of Tang Dynasty is know as the Saint of Wine.
Ancient Chinese Consumed Fermented Drinks
Tue Dec 7,11:51 AM ET
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The Chinese were consuming fermented beverages — possibly wine — as long as 9,000 years ago, according to scientists who used modern techniques to peer back through the mists of time.
Early evidence of beer and wine had been traced to the ancient Middle East. But the new discovery indicates that the Chinese may have been making their drinks even earlier.
"Fermented beverages are central to a lot of our religions, social relations, medicine, in many cultures around the world," said Patrick E. McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
These drinks "have played key roles in the development of human culture and technology, contributing to the advance and intensification of agriculture, horticulture and food-processing technologies," he reported.
The discovery, by a team of researchers led by McGovern, is being published online in this week's early edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
McGovern's team collected pieces of 16 pottery vessels at Jiahu, an early new stone age village in China's Henan province. This is the same site where archaeologists have found the earliest evidence of musical instruments, including an ancient flute.
The ceramics were dated to about 7,000 B.C. — 9,000 years ago — and the scientists analyzed residue that had collected inside the pots.
The results showed chemicals that matched residues from modern rice and rice wine, grape wine, grape tannins and ancient and modern herbs. There were also indications of hawthorn fruit.
It is interesting to know that Chinese Wine is 7000-9000 years B.C. From the history , I was told that "Du Kang" is the inventor of Wine of China. Every brewer's worship him in their home or factory. I would keep you all posted once I find more information..
"The most straightforward interpretation of these data is that the Jiahu vessels contained a consistently processed beverage made from rice, honey and a fruit," the team concluded.
The team also reported on an analysis of 3,000-year-old liquid found in sealed bronze vessels from the Chinese city of Anyang.
These vessels contained rice and millet wines, they found, flavored with herbs and flowers. Read More...
Yahoo! News - Ancient Chinese Consumed Fermented Drinks
Ancient Chinese Consumed Fermented Drinks
Tue Dec 7,11:51 AM ET
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The Chinese were consuming fermented beverages — possibly wine — as long as 9,000 years ago, according to scientists who used modern techniques to peer back through the mists of time.
Early evidence of beer and wine had been traced to the ancient Middle East. But the new discovery indicates that the Chinese may have been making their drinks even earlier.
"Fermented beverages are central to a lot of our religions, social relations, medicine, in many cultures around the world," said Patrick E. McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
These drinks "have played key roles in the development of human culture and technology, contributing to the advance and intensification of agriculture, horticulture and food-processing technologies," he reported.
The discovery, by a team of researchers led by McGovern, is being published online in this week's early edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
McGovern's team collected pieces of 16 pottery vessels at Jiahu, an early new stone age village in China's Henan province. This is the same site where archaeologists have found the earliest evidence of musical instruments, including an ancient flute.
The ceramics were dated to about 7,000 B.C. — 9,000 years ago — and the scientists analyzed residue that had collected inside the pots.
The results showed chemicals that matched residues from modern rice and rice wine, grape wine, grape tannins and ancient and modern herbs. There were also indications of hawthorn fruit.
It is interesting to know that Chinese Wine is 7000-9000 years B.C. From the history , I was told that "Du Kang" is the inventor of Wine of China. Every brewer's worship him in their home or factory. I would keep you all posted once I find more information..
"The most straightforward interpretation of these data is that the Jiahu vessels contained a consistently processed beverage made from rice, honey and a fruit," the team concluded.
The team also reported on an analysis of 3,000-year-old liquid found in sealed bronze vessels from the Chinese city of Anyang.
These vessels contained rice and millet wines, they found, flavored with herbs and flowers. Read More...
Yahoo! News - Ancient Chinese Consumed Fermented Drinks
Perchlorate, Just The Tip of The Iceberg
This report is I found on Clean Water Actions site. Is very informative on the subject of Perchlorate... Do care to download below
Perchlorate, Just The Tip of The Iceberg:
Emerging Drinking Water Contaminants.
just-the-tip.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Perchlorate, Just The Tip of The Iceberg:
Emerging Drinking Water Contaminants.
just-the-tip.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Drinking Water Right To Know Reports
This is the useful information you need to know what the Drinking Water Right To Know Report. I encourage you to read these & work together to safe guard life's & Water for Great Health..
Drinking Water Right To Know Reports
It's that time of year again! Keep an eye out for your 2004 Right to Know Report, also commonly referred to as “Consumer Confidence” or “Water Quality” reports. This report will provide you with information about the source of your drinking water, contaminants that were detected in the water during the 2003 calendar year, the likely source of the contamination, important health information--especially for people who are more likely to be harmed by common drinking water contaminants, and information on how you can get involved in protecting your drinking water. Under the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act all water suppliers are required to produce an annual report informing their customers about the source and quality of their drinking water.
Water Suppliers are required to mail this information to all bill paying customers by July 1st. If you have not received a copy of this report or you live in an apartment and do not pay for your water, contact your local water utility to request a copy. To find out more information about how to contact your water supplier or to access the report on line visit EPA�s drinking water web site.
For more information on Right to Know Reports, including what information is required to be included in the reports, view our Making Sense brochure below. Read More...
CSADW: Drinking Water Right To Know Reports
Drinking Water Right To Know Reports
It's that time of year again! Keep an eye out for your 2004 Right to Know Report, also commonly referred to as “Consumer Confidence” or “Water Quality” reports. This report will provide you with information about the source of your drinking water, contaminants that were detected in the water during the 2003 calendar year, the likely source of the contamination, important health information--especially for people who are more likely to be harmed by common drinking water contaminants, and information on how you can get involved in protecting your drinking water. Under the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act all water suppliers are required to produce an annual report informing their customers about the source and quality of their drinking water.
Water Suppliers are required to mail this information to all bill paying customers by July 1st. If you have not received a copy of this report or you live in an apartment and do not pay for your water, contact your local water utility to request a copy. To find out more information about how to contact your water supplier or to access the report on line visit EPA�s drinking water web site.
For more information on Right to Know Reports, including what information is required to be included in the reports, view our Making Sense brochure below. Read More...
CSADW: Drinking Water Right To Know Reports
EPA CELEBRATES SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
United State is one of the Safest Drinking Water Supplies Nation of the world. American Drink average of One Billiuons Glass of Water perday. While we congratulate the achievement, but we still need to do much more in view of increasing issues in Water Contaminations & pollutions in this world...
EPA CELEBRATES SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND NEBRASKA’S PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
EPA Region 7 will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act on December 16, and salutes the Nebraskans who work hard everyday to ensure that their water is safe to drink.
“By working with our communities, we can all help protect public health by preventing pollution in the rivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers that are the sources of our drinking water,” said Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), signed into law Dec. 16, 1974 and strengthened by amendments in 1986 and 1996, protects human health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water is divided among EPA, states, tribes, water systems, and the public. Nearly all states and territories have received primacy for the drinking water program.
Nebraska’s drinking water program has 1,375 public water systems, serving most of its 1.7 million residents. Ground water is the source for most of Nebraska’s drinking water. Only five public water systems in the state get their drinking water from surface water sources.
The state issued about $17 million in loans to communities for infrastructure improvements from July 2003 to June 2004. Nebraska has received about $70 million since the inception of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
The SDWA requires EPA to set standards on drinking water contaminants that public water systems are required to meet, up from about 10 standards in the 1970s to more than 90 today. Compliance with standards among the nation’s more than 53,000 public water systems is improving nationally even as EPA adopts more standards.
The United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world at an average cost of only 5 gallons for a penny. Americans drink an average of one billion glasses of tap water each day.Read More...
EPA Region 7 - Environmental News
EPA CELEBRATES SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND NEBRASKA’S PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
EPA Region 7 will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act on December 16, and salutes the Nebraskans who work hard everyday to ensure that their water is safe to drink.
“By working with our communities, we can all help protect public health by preventing pollution in the rivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers that are the sources of our drinking water,” said Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), signed into law Dec. 16, 1974 and strengthened by amendments in 1986 and 1996, protects human health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water is divided among EPA, states, tribes, water systems, and the public. Nearly all states and territories have received primacy for the drinking water program.
Nebraska’s drinking water program has 1,375 public water systems, serving most of its 1.7 million residents. Ground water is the source for most of Nebraska’s drinking water. Only five public water systems in the state get their drinking water from surface water sources.
The state issued about $17 million in loans to communities for infrastructure improvements from July 2003 to June 2004. Nebraska has received about $70 million since the inception of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
The SDWA requires EPA to set standards on drinking water contaminants that public water systems are required to meet, up from about 10 standards in the 1970s to more than 90 today. Compliance with standards among the nation’s more than 53,000 public water systems is improving nationally even as EPA adopts more standards.
The United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world at an average cost of only 5 gallons for a penny. Americans drink an average of one billion glasses of tap water each day.Read More...
EPA Region 7 - Environmental News
Norland Ozone Systems-ozone generation
I found this article is very informative. Howevr, the research found that Ozone disinfection is much higher than the conventional Chlorine method that use today. If the datas is true then it shall be encourage for the Water District or authority to switch to Ozone process..
WHAT IS OZONE? WHY IS IT USED?
Ozone is an unstable, colorless gas, a powerful oxidizer and a potent germicide. It has a much higher disinfection potential than other disinfectants such as chlorine.
Ozone consists of three parts of oxygen. Once ozone is generated, it takes a short time for it to break apart and return to its natural form of oxygen. As this phenomenon occurs, the free atom of oxygen will seek out any foreign particles in the water and be attracted to them. This action creates an environment where bacteria or organic matter virtually disintegrate when they come in contact with this free oxygen molecule. This in turn protects water from waterborne, bacterial contamination. Ozone is used in the bottled water industry because it controls the growth of bacteria in water. It is desirable because it can do this without leaving a residual taste, such as you would find with chlorine.
The variables determining the effectiveness of ozone in killing bacteria are contact time and residual ozone concentration achieved in the product water. This ozone concentration residual is first dependent on how much ozone is injected into the product water and then the amount of ozone demand in the water. The lower the total dissolved solids level, the higher the solubility of the ozone.
Norland Ozone Systems-ozone generation:
WHAT IS OZONE? WHY IS IT USED?
Ozone is an unstable, colorless gas, a powerful oxidizer and a potent germicide. It has a much higher disinfection potential than other disinfectants such as chlorine.
Ozone consists of three parts of oxygen. Once ozone is generated, it takes a short time for it to break apart and return to its natural form of oxygen. As this phenomenon occurs, the free atom of oxygen will seek out any foreign particles in the water and be attracted to them. This action creates an environment where bacteria or organic matter virtually disintegrate when they come in contact with this free oxygen molecule. This in turn protects water from waterborne, bacterial contamination. Ozone is used in the bottled water industry because it controls the growth of bacteria in water. It is desirable because it can do this without leaving a residual taste, such as you would find with chlorine.
The variables determining the effectiveness of ozone in killing bacteria are contact time and residual ozone concentration achieved in the product water. This ozone concentration residual is first dependent on how much ozone is injected into the product water and then the amount of ozone demand in the water. The lower the total dissolved solids level, the higher the solubility of the ozone.
Norland Ozone Systems-ozone generation:
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Water woes a hard problem for Fillmore folks
I am not a fan of using Water Softener. I see that, it is immoral to discharge contaminants to the ground to contaminate our mother earth.
Water woes a hard problem for Fillmore folks
Some softeners must go or residents and city might face stiff fines
By Eric Leach
Staff Writer
Saturday, December 04, 2004 - FILLMORE -- Residents of Fillmore, who have some of the hardest water in Ventura County, may face heavy fines if they do not remove their beloved water softening devices that discharge chloride into the Santa Clara River.
By September 2008, the city could face fines up to $1.1 million a year if it does not comply with state water discharge requirements, officials said.
"Some people have said, why not just pay the fine and keep our water softeners, but that is not a viable alternative," said City Engineer Bert Rapp. "We could never consider violating the limits (state officials) have imposed."
One alternative for Fillmore's 4,200 households is to build a plant that would cost about $24 a month per household and soften water for the entire city without discharging prohibited levels of salt, Rapp said.
"If we can soften the city's drinking water (at this plant) it would remove 75 percent of the hardness in the water, which would make everybody's plumbing fixtures last longer, their water heaters would last longer, their clothes would wash better, their dishes would wash better. It would improve the quality of water for all of our customers."
Jonathan Bishop, executive officer of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, the state agency that ordered Fillmore to clean up the problem, said the chloride is a threat to aquatic life in the river and agriculture in Ventura County.
Fines are possible in 2008 if Fillmore does not comply, but the amount of the fines would depend on the situation at that time, he said.
"This problem has been going on for 20 years. We've given Fillmore many chances to address this problem, and we support Fillmore's efforts to limit water softeners."
Fillmore is in a peculiar situation because of the hard water that comes from wells in the area and the ecological sensitivity of the Santa Clara River.
Dawn Ladny, a resident who supports building a plant to soften water for the entire city, said living in Fillmore without a water softener is not an option to many people.
"If I didn't have a water softener, I would be replacing my dishwasher every couple of years," she said.Read More...
Water woes a hard problem for Fillmore folks
Some softeners must go or residents and city might face stiff fines
By Eric Leach
Staff Writer
Saturday, December 04, 2004 - FILLMORE -- Residents of Fillmore, who have some of the hardest water in Ventura County, may face heavy fines if they do not remove their beloved water softening devices that discharge chloride into the Santa Clara River.
By September 2008, the city could face fines up to $1.1 million a year if it does not comply with state water discharge requirements, officials said.
"Some people have said, why not just pay the fine and keep our water softeners, but that is not a viable alternative," said City Engineer Bert Rapp. "We could never consider violating the limits (state officials) have imposed."
One alternative for Fillmore's 4,200 households is to build a plant that would cost about $24 a month per household and soften water for the entire city without discharging prohibited levels of salt, Rapp said.
"If we can soften the city's drinking water (at this plant) it would remove 75 percent of the hardness in the water, which would make everybody's plumbing fixtures last longer, their water heaters would last longer, their clothes would wash better, their dishes would wash better. It would improve the quality of water for all of our customers."
Jonathan Bishop, executive officer of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, the state agency that ordered Fillmore to clean up the problem, said the chloride is a threat to aquatic life in the river and agriculture in Ventura County.
Fines are possible in 2008 if Fillmore does not comply, but the amount of the fines would depend on the situation at that time, he said.
"This problem has been going on for 20 years. We've given Fillmore many chances to address this problem, and we support Fillmore's efforts to limit water softeners."
Fillmore is in a peculiar situation because of the hard water that comes from wells in the area and the ecological sensitivity of the Santa Clara River.
Dawn Ladny, a resident who supports building a plant to soften water for the entire city, said living in Fillmore without a water softener is not an option to many people.
"If I didn't have a water softener, I would be replacing my dishwasher every couple of years," she said.Read More...
Water Contract Renewals Stir Debate Between Environmentalists and Farmers in California
Any issues related to water is just totally uncalled for. Do more & Debate less, the more the debate the more would be time & money loss incurred.
Water Contract Renewals Stir Debate Between Environmentalists and Farmers in California
By DEAN E. MURPHY
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 14 - The time has come for thousands of farmers in California to renew their water contracts with the federally run Central Valley Project, the country's largest irrigation system and for many years a major source of friction between the state's powerful agricultural and environmental interests.
The farms served by the Central Valley Project cover nearly 4,700 square miles and get about 20 percent of California's water supply. That has made the new contracts, some for 25 years and some for 40 years with options to renew, the center of a debate over how much water in the state should be dedicated to growing crops and at what price.
When construction of the Central Water Project began in 1937, the idea was to protect the state's farmland from water shortages and floods and provide cheap water for family farmers. But as the state has grown in population, there has been a growing push by cities and environmentalists to break the farmers' grip on the water, or at least make them pay more for it.
A report to be released on Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group that has tracked federal subsidies in agriculture, estimates that the subsidies in the Central Valley Project are worth up to $416 million a year at market rates for replacing the water. The calculation, based on data collected by the group over 16 months, shows that the median subsidy for a Central Valley farmer in 2002 was $7,076 a year and for the largest 10 percent of the farms, the average subsidy was worth up to $349,000 a year.
Five years ago, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, which runs the Central Valley Project, began negotiations on 223 water-supply contracts with individual farmers and big irrigation districts, serving farmers from Redding to Bakersfield. Those negotiations are expected to be wrapped up early next year, and many critics of the bureau, including the Environmental Working Group, are not happy that they will apparently continue supplies of federally subsidized water for farms.
"Reforms to make details of water subsidies public, limit the amount and value of water subsidies to large farms and encourage conservation by pricing water at rates closer to market value are needed to end the disaster for taxpayers and the environment wrought by the Central Valley Project," the Environmental Working Group report states.
Many farmers reject that analysis, including the president of Woolf Enterprises, a family-owned farming business based in Huron, near Fresno, which was identified by the group as the recipient of $4.2 million in subsidies. Woolf Enterprises grows almonds, cotton, tomatoes and other crops on about 20,000 acres in the area served by Central Valley Project. Read More...
The New York Times > National > Water Contract Renewals Stir Debate Between Environmentalists and Farmers in California
Water Contract Renewals Stir Debate Between Environmentalists and Farmers in California
By DEAN E. MURPHY
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 14 - The time has come for thousands of farmers in California to renew their water contracts with the federally run Central Valley Project, the country's largest irrigation system and for many years a major source of friction between the state's powerful agricultural and environmental interests.
The farms served by the Central Valley Project cover nearly 4,700 square miles and get about 20 percent of California's water supply. That has made the new contracts, some for 25 years and some for 40 years with options to renew, the center of a debate over how much water in the state should be dedicated to growing crops and at what price.
When construction of the Central Water Project began in 1937, the idea was to protect the state's farmland from water shortages and floods and provide cheap water for family farmers. But as the state has grown in population, there has been a growing push by cities and environmentalists to break the farmers' grip on the water, or at least make them pay more for it.
A report to be released on Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group that has tracked federal subsidies in agriculture, estimates that the subsidies in the Central Valley Project are worth up to $416 million a year at market rates for replacing the water. The calculation, based on data collected by the group over 16 months, shows that the median subsidy for a Central Valley farmer in 2002 was $7,076 a year and for the largest 10 percent of the farms, the average subsidy was worth up to $349,000 a year.
Five years ago, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, which runs the Central Valley Project, began negotiations on 223 water-supply contracts with individual farmers and big irrigation districts, serving farmers from Redding to Bakersfield. Those negotiations are expected to be wrapped up early next year, and many critics of the bureau, including the Environmental Working Group, are not happy that they will apparently continue supplies of federally subsidized water for farms.
"Reforms to make details of water subsidies public, limit the amount and value of water subsidies to large farms and encourage conservation by pricing water at rates closer to market value are needed to end the disaster for taxpayers and the environment wrought by the Central Valley Project," the Environmental Working Group report states.
Many farmers reject that analysis, including the president of Woolf Enterprises, a family-owned farming business based in Huron, near Fresno, which was identified by the group as the recipient of $4.2 million in subsidies. Woolf Enterprises grows almonds, cotton, tomatoes and other crops on about 20,000 acres in the area served by Central Valley Project. Read More...
The New York Times > National > Water Contract Renewals Stir Debate Between Environmentalists and Farmers in California
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Port Barre makes do with bottled drinking water
In my childhood days, I have experience water rationing, I understand about the suffering that one have to goes through on the Water & especially drinking water problem. City need to ahve a back-up plan in case of the worst happening.
Port Barre makes do with bottled drinking water
By The Associated Press
T BARRE -- Town officials handed out thousands of gallons of drinking water to residents here over the weekend as crews worked to fix a break down at the water treatment plant.
On Friday, a chlorine injector broke down at the water plant, causing the municipal water supply to exceed the maximum contaminant level of fecal coliform bacteria, or E. coli, officials said.
Over the weekend, the Police Department and Mayor John Fontenot handed out water. Police Chief David Richard said the city purchased about 2,400 gallons of drinking water from Wal-Mart to supply residents.
"We are trying to help make it as comfortable as possible for the people during this emergency," he said.
The supply went quickly as residents lined up Saturday.
Paul Guilbeaux came on a bicycle to get water for a sick neighbor. "We all have to work together."
Because of the limited supply of water, only two gallons were issued to each family. Read More...
2theadvocate.com: News - Port Barre makes do with bottled drinking water 12/13/04
Port Barre makes do with bottled drinking water
By The Associated Press
T BARRE -- Town officials handed out thousands of gallons of drinking water to residents here over the weekend as crews worked to fix a break down at the water treatment plant.
On Friday, a chlorine injector broke down at the water plant, causing the municipal water supply to exceed the maximum contaminant level of fecal coliform bacteria, or E. coli, officials said.
Over the weekend, the Police Department and Mayor John Fontenot handed out water. Police Chief David Richard said the city purchased about 2,400 gallons of drinking water from Wal-Mart to supply residents.
"We are trying to help make it as comfortable as possible for the people during this emergency," he said.
The supply went quickly as residents lined up Saturday.
Paul Guilbeaux came on a bicycle to get water for a sick neighbor. "We all have to work together."
Because of the limited supply of water, only two gallons were issued to each family. Read More...
2theadvocate.com: News - Port Barre makes do with bottled drinking water 12/13/04
Oklahoma Water Contaminated By Animals Waste.
Perhaps the best ways is to get the farmer's to install the Waste Water treadments system to put these right, the local government shall get things in-check...
Poultry meetings to continue
By: Clayton Bellamy - Associated Press Writer
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The attorney general and six poultry companies met again Friday amid complaints the negotiators were excluding family farmers from their talks over chicken waste in northeast Oklahoma.
Attorney General Drew Edmondson and representatives of the six companies met in an undisclosed location in Tulsa for the second straight day to discuss the effects chicken waste has on the region's watersheds.
Edmondson said his office and poultry producers will continue to meet in small groups through the end of the month and again formally after the first of the year.
If the negotiations fail, Edmondson says he will sue the poultry companies to get them to reduce the waste's impact.
The companies agreement last month to clean up waste in the region that can't safely be applied to land triggered the round of negotiations.
Waste from the many huge chicken farms in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas is rich in phosphorous, which promotes algae growth in rivers and lakes.
The blooms take oxygen from the water and choke aquatic life. They also can create taste and odor problems in drinking water.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau complained Thursday evening that it has not been included in the meetings even though its members - small farmers who raise chickens in contracts with the companies - will have to implement any agreement. Read More...
.: Print Version :.
Poultry meetings to continue
By: Clayton Bellamy - Associated Press Writer
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The attorney general and six poultry companies met again Friday amid complaints the negotiators were excluding family farmers from their talks over chicken waste in northeast Oklahoma.
Attorney General Drew Edmondson and representatives of the six companies met in an undisclosed location in Tulsa for the second straight day to discuss the effects chicken waste has on the region's watersheds.
Edmondson said his office and poultry producers will continue to meet in small groups through the end of the month and again formally after the first of the year.
If the negotiations fail, Edmondson says he will sue the poultry companies to get them to reduce the waste's impact.
The companies agreement last month to clean up waste in the region that can't safely be applied to land triggered the round of negotiations.
Waste from the many huge chicken farms in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas is rich in phosphorous, which promotes algae growth in rivers and lakes.
The blooms take oxygen from the water and choke aquatic life. They also can create taste and odor problems in drinking water.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau complained Thursday evening that it has not been included in the meetings even though its members - small farmers who raise chickens in contracts with the companies - will have to implement any agreement. Read More...
.: Print Version :.
City leaders to decide to tap Hudson or Saratoga Lake
Decision must be make short & sharp, as water is always a cretical issue for we human being. Any delay would cause more looses...
Saratoga water source decision expected soon
City leaders to decide to tap Hudson or Saratoga Lake
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Dec. 13
By MARK MULHOLLAND Saratoga-North Country News Chief
Saratoga Springs has been talking about a new water source for more than a decade. Soon the talking will stop and city leaders will move forward with plans to tap either the Hudson River or Saratoga Lake.
It's water that made this city famous. And it's debate over water that has now become infamous.
State, federal and Saratoga County leaders have been urging Saratoga Springs to join forces with other communities to tap into the Hudson River. The county plan would cost nearly $80 million, though it's not clear what each community would have to pay.
Tuesday night the city will give the public a final chance to weigh in before the City Council votes next week on whether to go with the county's Hudson plan or tap into Saratoga Lake.
Mike Lenz, the city's part-time mayor, was unavailable for comment Monday, but has said previously the council will decide on a secondary water source by the end of the year." Read More...
WNYT...Live LOCAL Late-Breaking
Saratoga water source decision expected soon
City leaders to decide to tap Hudson or Saratoga Lake
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Dec. 13
By MARK MULHOLLAND Saratoga-North Country News Chief
Saratoga Springs has been talking about a new water source for more than a decade. Soon the talking will stop and city leaders will move forward with plans to tap either the Hudson River or Saratoga Lake.
It's water that made this city famous. And it's debate over water that has now become infamous.
State, federal and Saratoga County leaders have been urging Saratoga Springs to join forces with other communities to tap into the Hudson River. The county plan would cost nearly $80 million, though it's not clear what each community would have to pay.
Tuesday night the city will give the public a final chance to weigh in before the City Council votes next week on whether to go with the county's Hudson plan or tap into Saratoga Lake.
Mike Lenz, the city's part-time mayor, was unavailable for comment Monday, but has said previously the council will decide on a secondary water source by the end of the year." Read More...
WNYT...Live LOCAL Late-Breaking
Canadian Fed Invest & hires IBM to develop system to detect disease, bioterrorism-- National Post
As a Computer Technologist by qualification. I am sure that both computer hardware & software can aids to the Monitoring & control for the Drinking Water Safety.. However, the most important is still is the People Elements...
Health agency hires IBM to develop system to detect disease, bioterrorism
Steve Lambert Canadian Press
Monday, December 13, 2004
WINNIPEG (CP) - Federal health officials have turned to IBM to help develop a computerized early-warning system to detect outbreaks of infectious disease and bioterrorist attacks.
The Public Health Agency of Canada hopes the system, being developed as a pilot project in Winnipeg, will make it easier to contain outbreaks such as the one that left thousands of residents sick in North Battleford, Saskatchewan in 2001.
'This is really cutting-edge stuff,' Dr. Amin Kabani, a senior medical adviser with Health Canada, said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
'If we find that this is successful and it adds significant value, then our recommendation certainly would be (to make it) a Canadian-wide enterprise.'
IBM Canada Ltd will be paid $887,000 to develop a system that will instantly collect data from hospital emergency rooms, laboratories, pharmacies and other health-related facilities in Winnipeg.
The system would alert health officials to a sudden rise in the number of emergency room visitors who exhibit symptoms of a particular infectious disease.
It would also alert officials to any jump in the sale of particular types of over-the-counter medication that might be used to combat gastrointestinal or other diseases, said Kabani.
'If you remember the outbreak in No. ReadMore....
National Post
Health agency hires IBM to develop system to detect disease, bioterrorism
Steve Lambert Canadian Press
Monday, December 13, 2004
WINNIPEG (CP) - Federal health officials have turned to IBM to help develop a computerized early-warning system to detect outbreaks of infectious disease and bioterrorist attacks.
The Public Health Agency of Canada hopes the system, being developed as a pilot project in Winnipeg, will make it easier to contain outbreaks such as the one that left thousands of residents sick in North Battleford, Saskatchewan in 2001.
'This is really cutting-edge stuff,' Dr. Amin Kabani, a senior medical adviser with Health Canada, said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
'If we find that this is successful and it adds significant value, then our recommendation certainly would be (to make it) a Canadian-wide enterprise.'
IBM Canada Ltd will be paid $887,000 to develop a system that will instantly collect data from hospital emergency rooms, laboratories, pharmacies and other health-related facilities in Winnipeg.
The system would alert health officials to a sudden rise in the number of emergency room visitors who exhibit symptoms of a particular infectious disease.
It would also alert officials to any jump in the sale of particular types of over-the-counter medication that might be used to combat gastrointestinal or other diseases, said Kabani.
'If you remember the outbreak in No. ReadMore....
National Post
Monday, December 13, 2004
Chesapeake ran up $2.4 million bill to defend self in water suit
My late Parents said, in any legal situations involve Lawyer's, both side would be the looser's, except the Lawyer's would be the winner's, either you lose or win, they are getting paid for their work. In this case $300,000.oo shall be able to use for better purpose than just for the benefits of the so call "Individual Professional". As Lao Tze said If there are too many Laws then there would be too many frauds.
Chesapeake ran up $2.4 million bill to defend self in water suit
By the Associated Press
December 10 2004
CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- The city's successful defense of lawsuits accusing officials of failing to warn pregnant women about a harmful byproduct in Chesapeake tap water totaled $2.4 million, according to documents released by the city.
All but $300,000 went to pay two law firms: Williams Mullen, which has offices in Virginia Beach, and Breeden, Salb, Beasley & Duvall of Norfolk.
The firms began defending the city four years ago against hundreds of individual civil suits that collectively were seeking an estimated $1.8 billion from the city. The cases never made it to trial.
Last month, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that Chesapeake was immune from such lawsuits.
"It's an incredible amount of money," Mayor Dalton S. Edge told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk. "It's unfortunate that we had to spend it, but I don't know if we had any choice."
The city is pursuing a claim against its insurance carrier to recoup all or a portion of the cost, City Attorney Ronald S. Hallman said.
The $2.4 million cost of the defense does not include the work done by government employees in the city attorney's office and elsewhere.
The Supreme Court ruling effectively nullified 212 lawsuits seeking nearly $2 billion--more than triple the city's annual $671 million budget.
The women alleged that city officials misled them about high levels of trihalomethanes, or THMs, in the city's drinking water. Some studies have linked THMs to increased health risks for pregnant women. Read More...
Chesapeake ran up $2.4 million bill to defend self in water suit
Chesapeake ran up $2.4 million bill to defend self in water suit
By the Associated Press
December 10 2004
CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- The city's successful defense of lawsuits accusing officials of failing to warn pregnant women about a harmful byproduct in Chesapeake tap water totaled $2.4 million, according to documents released by the city.
All but $300,000 went to pay two law firms: Williams Mullen, which has offices in Virginia Beach, and Breeden, Salb, Beasley & Duvall of Norfolk.
The firms began defending the city four years ago against hundreds of individual civil suits that collectively were seeking an estimated $1.8 billion from the city. The cases never made it to trial.
Last month, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that Chesapeake was immune from such lawsuits.
"It's an incredible amount of money," Mayor Dalton S. Edge told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk. "It's unfortunate that we had to spend it, but I don't know if we had any choice."
The city is pursuing a claim against its insurance carrier to recoup all or a portion of the cost, City Attorney Ronald S. Hallman said.
The $2.4 million cost of the defense does not include the work done by government employees in the city attorney's office and elsewhere.
The Supreme Court ruling effectively nullified 212 lawsuits seeking nearly $2 billion--more than triple the city's annual $671 million budget.
The women alleged that city officials misled them about high levels of trihalomethanes, or THMs, in the city's drinking water. Some studies have linked THMs to increased health risks for pregnant women. Read More...
Chesapeake ran up $2.4 million bill to defend self in water suit
U.S Aid Chief Defends Iraq Reconstruction - Yahoo! News -
The aids includes 13 Water Treament plants and power station...
One can imagine that the Air & Water contaminations in ex-war
countries serious situations. i.e. the Nucleas Bomb Contaminations of Kawasaki & ..after the 2nd war world still can be felt today. But the effort must not only just from US, the local people must work together in a united front to fight the contaminations.
U.S Aid Chief Defends Iraq Reconstruction
Mon Dec 13, 8:46 AM ET
By NICK WADHAMS, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A top U.S. aid official acknowledged Monday that Iraqis have reasons to be impatient with the pace of reconstruction since the U.S.-led war to oust Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), but said $4.3 billion had been earmarked for projects and promised improvement despite the insurgency.
Andrew Natsios, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, detailed several projects under way in Iraq (news - web sites), including construction of 13 water-treatment plants and a major new power station, as well as hundreds of schools, firehouses, clinics and police stations.
But he insisted the most important work in Iraq isn't necessarily visible, including building institutions, getting civil society groups off the ground and doing preventive maintenance.
"The most important work we do is not the physical infrastructure, even though I know all of you like to report on it," Natsios told a news conference inside the Green Zone, the highly fortified area home to the U.S. Embassy and other government offices in Baghdad.
But Natsios, fielding pointed questions from Arabic-speaking journalists about reconstruction, defended more visible U.S. work, which some Iraqis say is taking far too long. He said it takes months to build power plants, whose generators need to be built from scratch.
He spoke in the middle of a power outage that cut electricity to a large swath of the country. Baghdad went dark, though power in the Green Zone is supplied by generators and was not cut.
"I know people are impatient," Natsios said. "They have a reason to be impatient, but I think progress is being made and the money is being spent appropriately."
Iraq's infrastructure fell into near ruin under years of U.N. sanctions and was further crippled in the U.S.-led invasion and its aftermath. Iraq's insurgents have frequently targeted reconstruction projects, bombing schools, clinics and community centers sometimes days after they're built.
Natsios said USAID had earmarked $86 million to support Iraq's electoral commission and nongovernment organizations ahead of Jan. 30 elections. He said 9,000 Iraqi businesses have been registered, and 35,000 Iraqis were employed in construction work with contracts through his agency.Read More...
Yahoo! News - U.S Aid Chief Defends Iraq Reconstruction: "
Mon Dec 13, 8:46 AM ET"
One can imagine that the Air & Water contaminations in ex-war
countries serious situations. i.e. the Nucleas Bomb Contaminations of Kawasaki & ..after the 2nd war world still can be felt today. But the effort must not only just from US, the local people must work together in a united front to fight the contaminations.
U.S Aid Chief Defends Iraq Reconstruction
Mon Dec 13, 8:46 AM ET
By NICK WADHAMS, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A top U.S. aid official acknowledged Monday that Iraqis have reasons to be impatient with the pace of reconstruction since the U.S.-led war to oust Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), but said $4.3 billion had been earmarked for projects and promised improvement despite the insurgency.
Andrew Natsios, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, detailed several projects under way in Iraq (news - web sites), including construction of 13 water-treatment plants and a major new power station, as well as hundreds of schools, firehouses, clinics and police stations.
But he insisted the most important work in Iraq isn't necessarily visible, including building institutions, getting civil society groups off the ground and doing preventive maintenance.
"The most important work we do is not the physical infrastructure, even though I know all of you like to report on it," Natsios told a news conference inside the Green Zone, the highly fortified area home to the U.S. Embassy and other government offices in Baghdad.
But Natsios, fielding pointed questions from Arabic-speaking journalists about reconstruction, defended more visible U.S. work, which some Iraqis say is taking far too long. He said it takes months to build power plants, whose generators need to be built from scratch.
He spoke in the middle of a power outage that cut electricity to a large swath of the country. Baghdad went dark, though power in the Green Zone is supplied by generators and was not cut.
"I know people are impatient," Natsios said. "They have a reason to be impatient, but I think progress is being made and the money is being spent appropriately."
Iraq's infrastructure fell into near ruin under years of U.N. sanctions and was further crippled in the U.S.-led invasion and its aftermath. Iraq's insurgents have frequently targeted reconstruction projects, bombing schools, clinics and community centers sometimes days after they're built.
Natsios said USAID had earmarked $86 million to support Iraq's electoral commission and nongovernment organizations ahead of Jan. 30 elections. He said 9,000 Iraqi businesses have been registered, and 35,000 Iraqis were employed in construction work with contracts through his agency.Read More...
Yahoo! News - U.S Aid Chief Defends Iraq Reconstruction: "
Mon Dec 13, 8:46 AM ET"
Bush Taps EPA Chief As Health Secretary
With Mike Leavitt Credentials, I hope he would continue his efforts to do good things including Water, Air, waste.. for our people in USA.
Bush Taps EPA Chief As Health Secretary
Bush Nominates EPA Chief Mike Leavitt As Health Secretary, Set to Name Homeland Security Nominee
The Associated Press
Dec. 13, 2004 - President Bush has chosen Environmental Protection Agency head Michael Leavitt to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, government officials told The Associated Press on Monday.
Leavitt, Utah's governor before joining the Bush administration in late 2003, would succeed Tommy Thompson, who recently resigned.
Bush also has to name a new head of the Homeland Security Department to take the place of Bernard Kerik, who abruptly withdrew his nomination Friday night, citing immigration problems with a family housekeeper.
Two government officials, each speaking on condition of anonymity, said Bush planned to announce Leavitt's nomination later Monday.
Leavitt, 53, served as Utah's governor for 11 years before Bush appointed him to lead the Environmental Protection Agency last year. As a three-term governor, he chaired the National Governors Association.
As recently as last week, Dr. Mark McClellan, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, had the inside track for the HHS job, White House officials and many health care analysts said. Read More....
ABC News: Bush Taps EPA Chief As Health Secretary
Bush Taps EPA Chief As Health Secretary
Bush Nominates EPA Chief Mike Leavitt As Health Secretary, Set to Name Homeland Security Nominee
The Associated Press
Dec. 13, 2004 - President Bush has chosen Environmental Protection Agency head Michael Leavitt to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, government officials told The Associated Press on Monday.
Leavitt, Utah's governor before joining the Bush administration in late 2003, would succeed Tommy Thompson, who recently resigned.
Bush also has to name a new head of the Homeland Security Department to take the place of Bernard Kerik, who abruptly withdrew his nomination Friday night, citing immigration problems with a family housekeeper.
Two government officials, each speaking on condition of anonymity, said Bush planned to announce Leavitt's nomination later Monday.
Leavitt, 53, served as Utah's governor for 11 years before Bush appointed him to lead the Environmental Protection Agency last year. As a three-term governor, he chaired the National Governors Association.
As recently as last week, Dr. Mark McClellan, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, had the inside track for the HHS job, White House officials and many health care analysts said. Read More....
ABC News: Bush Taps EPA Chief As Health Secretary
Manila Water Plans IPO In 1Q 2005 To Fund Expansion
Country like Philipine, the gap between have & have not is great..The Drinking Water contaminations is still serious, although efforts are done for the improvement, there is still need to be done more on the water education & knowledge for the people. I hope the IPO money raised would use for thesaid purpose on educations..
Manila Water Plans IPO In 1Q 2005 To Fund Expansion
MANILA (Dow Jones)--Manila Water Co. said Monday it plans to sell about two-thirds of its outstanding common shares via an initial public offering in the first quarter of 2005 to raise funds for network expansion and improvements.
The water utility - controlled by Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp. (AC.PH) - plans to sell 595 million shares in the international market and 255 million shares in the local market, it said in statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ADVERTISEMENT
The local offering price has been set at a minimum of PHP4.75 a share. The company didn't reveal the pricing for the overseas offering.
Proceeds from the offering will be used mainly to expand water service coverage and the development of new water sources.
BPI Capital Corp. and UBS Investment Bank have been appointed the underwriters for the offering.
The IPO is part of Manila Water's 25-year concession agreement with the Metropolitan Water Sewerage System. Based on information on its Web site, the IPO shares represent about 63% of Manila Water's 1.35 billion outstanding common shares as of end-2003.Read More...
Manila Water Plans IPO In 1Q 2005 To Fund Expansion
Manila Water Plans IPO In 1Q 2005 To Fund Expansion
MANILA (Dow Jones)--Manila Water Co. said Monday it plans to sell about two-thirds of its outstanding common shares via an initial public offering in the first quarter of 2005 to raise funds for network expansion and improvements.
The water utility - controlled by Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp. (AC.PH) - plans to sell 595 million shares in the international market and 255 million shares in the local market, it said in statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ADVERTISEMENT
The local offering price has been set at a minimum of PHP4.75 a share. The company didn't reveal the pricing for the overseas offering.
Proceeds from the offering will be used mainly to expand water service coverage and the development of new water sources.
BPI Capital Corp. and UBS Investment Bank have been appointed the underwriters for the offering.
The IPO is part of Manila Water's 25-year concession agreement with the Metropolitan Water Sewerage System. Based on information on its Web site, the IPO shares represent about 63% of Manila Water's 1.35 billion outstanding common shares as of end-2003.Read More...
Manila Water Plans IPO In 1Q 2005 To Fund Expansion
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