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AI Demands Water and Energy From An Already Thirsty California
August 27th, 2024
Artificial intelligence technology is guzzling water and energy in California and around the globe – by some estimates, ChatGPT uses about 16 ounces of water for as little as 10 queries, while AI-generated answers from Google use up to 8.9 watt-hours of electricity per request – yet most tech companies have not been forthcoming about […]
Read more »When the Heat Is On, Water Can Still Be Off in Great Lakes Cities
August 26th, 2024
Via Circle of Blue, a report on formal water shutoff policies in some U.S. cities which are ill-defined for extreme heat: When an early summer heat wave enveloped the Great Lakes region last month, Cleveland officials stepped in to offer relief. They reminded residents of the availability of splash pads for outdoor water recreation. And […]
Read more »It’s 2024: Is Drought Optional?
August 26th, 2024
Via Asterik Magazine, commentary on the potential for desalination to support the Colorado River and other critical U.S. water needs: In the early 20th century, the United States diverted and dammed nearly every major river that runs through the West, ushering in an era of unparalleled dominion over water. Today, California once again struggles with […]
Read more »U.S. Water Reservoirs: Shrinking and Becoming Less Reliable
August 24th, 2024
Via the American Geophysical Union, a new report on the impact that climate change is having upon U.S. water reservoirs: Major water reservoirs across the continental United States are experiencing longer, more severe, and more variable periods of low storage than several decades ago, a new study reports. The problems are most severe in the […]
Read more »Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico to Face Unchanged Colorado River Water Cuts Amid Persistent Drought
August 22nd, 2024
Via Hoodline, an article on how three (3) southwestern states face unchanged Colorado River reductions amid persistent drought: As the Western states grapple with the reality of a thirstier future, federal officials are holding the line on water cuts to Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico from the Colorado River for another year. ABC15 reports that these reductions […]
Read more »Aquifers Along the Border
August 21st, 2024
Via Texas Water Resources Institute, a look at groundwater aquifers shared between the U.S. and Mexico: When it comes to shared surface water, the United States and Mexico are lawfully obligated to abide by binational treaties and the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). But what about governance of the groundwater that both countries have access to, […]
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