Toxic algae blooms in Indiana, First Nations $8B settlement, Wisconsin lead pipe replacement funding – Great Lakes Now

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water pollution is a major problem plaguing cities and communities around the Great Lakes. Eliminating contamination and providing clean water for all is an ongoing public health struggle.

Stay up-to-date on drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes region.

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Indiana:

Increasingly warm air and heavy rain showers have fueled a rise in toxic algal blooms, leading to fish influenza, beach closures and drinking water pollution. Because of these blooms, homes may have to pay more to ensure drinking water protection. In fact, many residents began buying bottled water to offset the foul taste of the tap water caused by the blooms. Even at the federal level, there aren’t many rules or regulations protecting citizens from ingesting toxic algae.

The city of Oaktown was recently granted a 24-hour boiling water ordinance. This happened on Sunday January 9th at 13:00. However, the order has now been extended until this Thursday.

Canada:

Thousands of people affected by years of drinking water recommendations could see compensation after courts agreed in an $8 billion class action settlement in a “historic moment” for First Nations people in Canada.

Pennsylvania:

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Public Utility Commission recently created the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which helps low-income Pennsylvanians access potable water. This program provides assistance even to people who also receive assistance from other services. The income guidelines for the program are listed and detailed in the article.

Wisconsin:

UpNorthNews spoke to several organizations that influence, organize, and implement water quality initiatives in Wisconsin to get a sense of what those who spend their days making safe drinking water think the coming year may hold in store for such a fundamental human right : Access to safe drinking water, a goal that has proved elusive due to roadblocks imposed by the Republican-led legislature.

US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited a water treatment plant in the City of Bloomer that will be thereReceived $27.6 million in loans and grantsby the Department of Rural Development of the US Department of Agriculture.

The funding will allow the community to replace 4.6 miles of lead water mains and other aging sewer infrastructure.

Find out more Great Lakes news now:

Clean Water News Round-up: Infrastructure Funding in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Misreliance on Michigan Water

Drinking water news roundup: Algal blooms threaten Illinois, Wisconsin DNR cuts runoff regulations

Featured Image: Filling a Glass with Water from the Tap (Great Lakes Now Episode 1025)