News & Public Affairs

Clearwater breaks ground on second reverse osmosis plant listen

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Tags: water, desalination, reverse osmosis, Clearwater, aquifer, reclaimed water

This morning the City of Clearwater broke ground on its second reverse osmosis municipal water treatment plant to get drinking water from brackish water. Nearly 100 people gathered in a vacant lot to listen to government officials commemorate the new construction. When the second water treatment plant is finished Clearwater will be able to produce almost 100% of its drinking water.

The official name of the plant is the Reverse Osmosis #2 Brackish Water Treatment Plant; or RO2 in governmen...

Times report points to flaws in Florida's aquifer water flow model listen

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Tags: Craig Pittman, Tampa Bay Times, karst, water, aquifer, Floridan aquifer

The model that Florida regulators use to issue water pumping permits is likely to severely underestimate the rate of water flow in the aquifer because of a type of geology called 'karst.'

According to an article in Monday's Tampa Bay Times by reporter Craig Pittman, that could be contributing to pollution and low flow of springs in the state.

The story is ca...

State Rep. Franklin Sands explains his backing of a tax on bottled water

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Tags: Franklin Sands, HB 781, Florida freshwater springs, aquifer, water, taxes

On the first part of today's program: State Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, has filed a bill in Tallahassee to collect a fee from bottled water companies that derive profits from the free pumping of millions of gallons of water daily from Florida’s springs and other water bodies. Last week Sands’ filed House Bill 781 which would charge large users of Florida's water supplies 5 cents a gallon. I spoke with him earlier today.

Blue Revolution: Unmaking America's water crisis

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Tags: water, Blue Revolution, Cynthia Barnett, water ethic, aquifer, Lake Mead, ethanol

Coming up we’ll talk about the coming water crisis in the US with author Cynthia Barnett. But first two listener comments about yesterday’s programs. We received calls about the interview with the activists for St. Pete for Peace and we’ll hear a comment about yesterday’s Last Call show and the Republican candidates for President.

Our guest today is Cynthia Barnett author of a new book called BLUE REVOLUTION: UNMAKING AMERICAS WATER CRISIS (Beacon). Barnett...

Environmental activist concerned about toxins from landfill sinkhole getting into aquifer listen

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Tags: landfill, sinkhole, Hillsborough County, toxins, water, aquifer, Waste Management

On Tuesday, a large sinkhole opened in a southeast Hillsborough County landfill. Some environmentalists are concerned the toxins from the landfill could contaminate the aquifer.

The 25-year-old landfill is operated by Waste Management and according to the county's website, the facility receives non-processable solid waste, shredded tires and demolition debris. I only has a clay lining.

Vivian Bacca is a board member of United Citizens Action Network and is active in community and enviro...