Water

USA: Extreme weather could threaten half of drinking water systems

Climate change could threaten the reliability of half of U.S. drinking water utilities by 2050 through wildfires, heat, floods and rising seas. Experts urge utilities to assess risks and adapt infrastructure to protect safe water supplies.

US: As wildfires burn, rainfall can strip oxygen from rivers

Runoff from a high-intensity storm during the 2022 McKinney Fire depleted oxygen in the Klamath River to levels lethal to fish, killing aquatic life along nearly 60 miles of one of California's most culturally significant waterways.

Wildfires can contaminate nearby homes and water systems

While there are many safety concerns after a wildfire, three deserve particular attention: chemicals in surviving buildings, the safety of drinking water and whether burned lots are ready for rebuilding.

CA: After the flames, wildfires pollute drinking water for years

When people think about wildfires, they usually think about flames, smoke and evacuations. However, for many communities, some of the most important damage begins after the fire has passed.

Post-wildfire erosion can threaten water quality for years

Heavy rain is often welcome in California. Some years, we're practically desperate for it. Big rain events replenish reservoirs, refill groundwater, and keep ecosystems alive, but can cause major problems in areas burned by wildfires.

USA: What the historic snow drought means for water, wildfires

Across much of the Western United States, winter 2026 was the year the snow never came. Many ski resorts got by with snowmaking but shut down their winter operations early. Fire officials and water supply managers are worried about summer.

Iran: Environmental crises now threaten the regime’s survival

Iran faces severe, regime‑driven environmental collapse—water depletion, pollution, mismanagement and repression of scientists—fueling unrest, economic hardship and growing public anger that now threatens the government’s stability.

USA: Grand Canyon’s megafire shows the growing threat to water systems

By mid-August, Dragon Bravo was a “megafire,” having burned over 140,000 acres, and was one of the largest fires in Arizona history. It had destroyed more than 70 structures, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, and sent smoke across the region.