The Biden administration is allocating $5.8 billion for water infrastructure projects across all 50 states, bringing the total to $22 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure law. This funding, part of the $1 trillion law, will support upgrades to water treatment plants, distribution systems, and lead pipe replacement, with a focus on clean water initiatives.
American YouTuber MrBeast, known for his philanthropy, has built 100 wells across Africa, providing clean drinking water for up to 500,000 people in Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. While his efforts have been praised, some Kenyan activists and journalists have criticized the Kenyan government for its failures in providing basic necessities. The accompanying fundraiser has raised over $300,000. However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the wells and the need for long-term infrastructure and maintenance. Despite potential backlash, MrBeast remains committed to using his platform to help others.
A DIY filter using plant xylem, inspired by an MIT paper, has been developed by BeraAjan for outdoor enthusiasts to obtain clean water. The filter utilizes the thick xylem found in young conifer branches, with the whole twig placed in a tube for water to filter through. While not the fastest option, it provides an alternative to nanotechnology filters for those in need of clean water during outdoor activities.
The small town of Helena-West Helena in Arkansas has been without clean water for three weeks due to burst pipes in its aging infrastructure. Despite pleas for help from state and federal authorities, the predominantly Black community has received minimal support. The city estimates it would cost $1 million to $10 million to repair the piping system, but a $100,000 loan from the governor is not nearly enough. Residents are frustrated and forced to rely on bottled water for basic needs. The situation highlights systemic failures, racism, and government neglect in providing clean water to marginalized communities.
President Joe Biden expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA, which puts the country's wetlands and connected water sources at risk of pollution and destruction. The decision defies the legal framework that has protected America's waters for decades and disregards the critical role of wetlands in safeguarding the nation's streams, rivers, and lakes. Biden is committed to protecting clean air and water for future generations and will work with relevant agencies to use every legal authority to protect the nation's waters.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday to expand his administration's environmental justice goals, including delivering clean air and water to communities nationwide. The order establishes the Office of Environmental Justice at the White House to coordinate the administration's efforts to implement the new directives. Federal agencies will also be tasked with conducting new assessments of their environmental justice efforts, and the results will be made public through a new scorecard to help measure the government's progress on the issue. The president wants to ensure that Americans benefit from cleaner air and water, reduced risk for asthma, cancer, and other health burdens, and better access to green space, safe and affordable housing, and clean transportation.
