The News Review:
- Preserving our water resources
- Pawtucket| projo.com | The Providence Journal
- TYPES OF BOTTLED WATER
- Security breach curbs water use in N. Smithfield, Blackstone
Preserving our water resources
Jamaica Gleaner – Mar 28, 2006
Among the most salient points coming out of the forum was the reiteration of the fact that the world was now facing a water crisis. What this means is that the world’s fresh water supply is becoming increasingly scarce, due to the growth in the world population and the rapid industrialisation and urbanization taking place in countries across the globe. In fact, according to the World Water Council, “the world’s population tripled in the 20th century and the use of renewable water resources has grown six fold” (Water Crisis, World Water Council). HOW SECURE?
It is against this background that I pose the following questions: How secure is Jamaica’s fresh water supply? Are we doing enough to ensure that our people have access to quality fresh water in sufficient quantities for the foreseeable future?We should note with interest this statement by the World Water Council: “There is a water crisis today. But the crisis is not about having too little water to satisfy our needs. It is a crisis of MANAGING water so badly that billions of people – and the environment – suffer badly… It is a crisis of MANAGING water so badly that billions of people – and the environment – suffer badly. ” (World Water Vision Report). The emphasis, therefore, should be on the need to properly manage our water supply in order to ensure that, as we strive for economic development, we do not carelessly deplete our fresh water resources. After all, in the context of increased scarcity, this would be the prudent thing to do. ,CHAD COWANccowan81@hotmail. comHoward UniversityWashington, D.
Pawtucket| projo.com | The Providence Journal
Providence Journal – Mar 28, 2006
, said over the telephone yesterday afternoon that Earth Tech is seeking a meeting with Water Supply Board staff in an effort "to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone. " She declined to comment when asked whether Earth Tech was seeking to move back the completion date of the plant. The issues to be discussed with Water Supply Board staff include the final base contract price for construction of the water treatment plant, as well as whether the company is entitled to additional compensation for removing thousands of cubic yards of arsenic-contaminated soil. In an agreement reached before construction began, the Water Supply Board consented to pay Earth Tech an additional $407,959 for dealing with difficult site conditions, including arsenic-contaminated soil. Earth Tech says it is entitled to the additional compensation because it has had to remove arsenic-contaminated soil in excess of the 20,000 cubic yards specified in the agreement. The company contends that the final base contract price for plant construction is $45. 8 million once the effect of the cost escalators are factored in.
TYPES OF BOTTLED WATER
News & Observer – Mar 28, 2006
Spring water must be collected only at the spring or through a well tapping the underground formation feeding the spring. Spring water pumped from a well must have all the physical properties before treatment as the water that flows naturally to the surface of the earth. PURIFIED WATER: Water from any source, including municipal water supplies, that has been treated to meet federal standards. It is essentially free of all chemicals and may be free of microbes. DISTILLED WATER: Steam from boiling water is condensed to remove salts, metals and minerals. Distilling water kills microbes and gives water a flat taste. MINERAL WATER: Distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements as it emerges from the source… MINERAL WATER: Distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements as it emerges from the source. No minerals can be added to this product. SPARKLING BOTTLED WATER: Water that after treatment, and possible replacement with carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had as it emerged from the source. Sparkling bottled waters may be labeled as “sparkling drinking water,” “sparkling mineral water,” “sparkling spring water,” or the like. (INTERNATIONAL BOTTLED WATER ASSOCIATION, U. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY) All rights reserved.
Security breach curbs water use in N. Smithfield, Blackstone
Providence Journal – Mar 28, 2006
Gifford said authorities in both states were unsure whether the empty bucket they found belonged to the water supply company that uses the facility. It was clear, however, that someone did force their way into the water tank. If the intruder didn’t damage the towns’ water supply, Lowe wondered what was the purpose of the vandalism. "It just shocks you," he said. Blackstone police said they had reports last night of teenagers fleeing the scene. Massachusetts officials discovered the security breach at 9 a.