Water Resources

“Primum non nocere”, or “first, do no harm”, is one of the central ethical principles taught to medical students, and one that scientists and policy makers alike should embrace. In this context, to do no harm, we argue that a systems-wide, holistic approach to N and P control is essential. When develop- ing nutrient criteria for a given river or estuary, it is imperative for policy makers to remember that actions in one watershed will affect a neighboring or downstream ecosystem.

Public health advocates cheered when the Environmental Protection Agency approved a stricter standard for arsenic in drinking water in 2001. Arsenic, a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust, contaminates water supplies when it migrates from rocks into groundwater. Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water can cause serious skin and digestive problems and has been linked to several types of cancer.

Thanks to a Switzer Foundation Professional Development Grant, I had the opportunity in January to attend the 13th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment, titled “Disasters and Environment: Science, Preparedness and Resilience.” The conference brought together experts from many disciplines and sectors to delve into the complex challenges associated with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters.

Natural ecosystems provide essential services for our communities. Forests and wetlands, for example, filter the water we drink, protect neighborhoods from floods and droughts, and shade aquatic habitat for fish populations.

Brenda Miles Zollitsch has been awarded her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Services. Her focus has been on collaborative environmental policy planning and implementation. Her dissertation is entitled, "Documenting life cycle measures of collaborations working to implement stormwater policy in the United States". Her dissertation is available through Dissertation ProQuest.

Brenda Miles Zollitsch has been awarded her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Services. Her focus has been on collaborative environmental policy planning and implementation. Her dissertation is entitled, "Documenting life cycle measures of collaborations working to implement stormwater policy in the United States". Her dissertation is available through Dissertation ProQuest.

The evidence keeps mounting that people living in impoverished, Latino towns around the San Joaquin Valley are in danger if they drink water out of their taps. Researchers this year linked dirty drinking water with many towns, such as Seville, Orosi and Tooleville in Tulare County. The culprit is widespread nitrates, which come from fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste and rotting vegetation. This month, a new study reveals people living in similar communities also are at a high risk of drinking arsenic in their water.

Examining the science of stream restoration, Rebecca Lave argues that the neoliberal emphasis on the privatization and commercialization of knowledge has fundamentally changed the way that science is funded, organized, and viewed in the United States.