 |
| Photo Credit: Lisa Spinelli/The Connection |
Concern for the future availability, and affordability, of tap water to Potomac River residents is rising.
Increases in development and agriculture along the Potomac have already been slowing down the rivers fast-moving water for years. Now with air and water temperatures rising from climate change, it is suspected that by 2040 Potomac River surface waters could increase by 4.1° F. These factors together lead to changes in the ecosystem, including longer blooming seasons for blue green algae, decreases in eelgrass, and larger inputs of contaminants and pollutants due to runoff from farms. Blue green algae are known to release cyanotoxins that can cause liver tumors, neurological disorders and even death. While regulations and guidelines for acceptable levels of cyanotoxins in drinking water, the United States has no current federal regulations for cyanotoxins. In the future, larger blooms could affect the odor, clarity, and taste of the water and increase water bills.
#Read the full article from The Connection: Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
No comments:
Post a Comment