A recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has uncovered startlingly high levels of nanoplastics in plastic water bottles. Initially, estimates suggested 300 nanoplastics per liter of bottled water, but new findings show the actual number could range between 110,000 and 370,000 per liter. These nanoplastics are so small they're invisible under a microscope.

This significant revision in the understanding of nanoplastics in bottled water was made possible by a novel technology developed by researchers at Columbia University. This technology allows for the detailed scanning and analysis of nanoparticles in packaged water.

Metropolitan Issues Statement on California’s First Snow Survey of the Season

Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, recently issued a statement on the California Department of Water Resources’ first snow survey of the season, reporting that the state's snowpack is below normal for this time of year but noting that there's still time in the coming months for storms to build a healthy snowpack.

“But the reality that weather whiplash can quickly swing us from a wet year to a dry one requires us to be prepared should 2024 remain dry," Hagekhalil said in the statement “Conservation must remain a way of life for all Californians, regardless of the weather. As water managers, we also must do our part by planning for a drier, more challenging future due to our changing climate. Our Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water will be essential in identifying and developing options that increase our resiliency by stabilizing our imported water sources, increasing storage, developing a more flexible water delivery system, building local water supply projects and increasing conservation."

Wisconsin Allocates $414.4 Million for Wastewater and Stormwater Improvements

Wisconsin is set to significantly enhance its wastewater and stormwater systems across 84 municipalities, thanks to a substantial funding initiative. Gov. Tony Evers, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, recently announced the allocation of $414.4 million through the state's Clean Water Fund Program. 

This record amount of funding for the program includes $358.3 million in subsidized loans with reduced interest rates and $56.1 million in principal forgiveness. A portion of this financial assistance is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marking a major investment in the state's environmental and public health infrastructure.