WATER SAFETY

May 18 2026HEALTH

Lake Marian Blue‑Green Algae Alert: What You Need to Know

The Osceola County health officials have released a new warning about toxic blue‑green algae in the Lake Marian area. A recent water test on May 11 confirmed that dangerous toxins are present, prompting the department to act. This isn’t the first time the county has faced this issue; similar alerts

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

Stay Safe and Smart This Summer in Colorado’s Wild Places

Colorado’s summer rush is on, with trails filling up and lakes buzzing with boats and paddlers. But the state’s wild beauty comes with real risks. Sudden storms can roll in while you’re miles from help. Rivers fed by melting snow stay dangerously cold even in July. And every year, lives are lost bec

reading time less than a minute
May 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Staying Safe from Algae in the Caloosahatchee River

A warning has gone out about harmful blue-green algae in a stretch of the Caloosahatchee River near the Sebastian Canal. Tiny bacteria that normally live in Florida’s freshwater have multiplied rapidly, creating visible blooms that can produce toxins. These blooms often look like thick green paint,

reading time less than a minute
Apr 08 2026HEALTH

Keep your well water clean: why testing matters

Many people in La Crosse County rely on private wells for drinking water, but most don’t realize how easily contaminants can slip in. Unlike public water systems that get regular checks, private wells depend entirely on their owners to monitor quality. Experts say the safest approach is testing ever

reading time less than a minute
Dec 26 2025ENVIRONMENT

Rotorua's Watery Warnings: Staying Safe This Summer

Rotorua's lakes and rivers are popular spots to beat the summer heat, but they come with risks. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is urging everyone to be cautious. Last year, 17 people drowned in lakes and rivers across New Zealand, with three of those in the Bay of Plenty. Drowning isn't the only

reading time less than a minute
Apr 24 2025SCIENCE

Water Guardians: The 3D Printed Sentinel for Safe Drinking Water

Water safety is a big deal, especially when it comes to nerve agents. These nasty chemicals can easily be slipped into water supplies, making it crucial to have a quick and reliable way to detect them. Enter the shamrock-like electrochemical biosensor, a compact and portable gadget designed to monit

reading time less than a minute
Feb 23 2025ENVIRONMENT

Hidden Dangers in Your Tap: What You Need to Know

Chlorine has been used for over a century to treat water, and it's been effective in preventing waterborne illnesses. However, the discovery of harmful byproducts like THMs and HAAs has raised concerns about the safety of our drinking water. While there are ways to filter out these chemicals at home

reading time less than a minute
Jan 09 2025HEALTH

Testing Teens' Water Skills: A Study

Ever wondered how good kids are at handling themselves in water? Researchers decided to find out by testing a bunch of healthy teens. They used a special test called the aquaticity assessment to measure how well these kids could perform and behave in water. The score they got could tell if they were

reading time less than a minute
Dec 30 2024HEALTH

The Stealthy Guest: Bacteria in Your Water

You might not realize it, but there are tiny creatures lurking in your tap water. Say hello to Legionella pneumophila, a crafty bacterium that can make your water a health risk. Unlike other harmful bacteria, Legionella takes its time. It grows slowly in both public and private water systems. Scient

reading time less than a minute
Dec 24 2024SCIENCE

The Iron Hunt: A New Way to Clean Water

Have you ever considered the tiny iron particles hiding in your water? These microscopic invaders can harm our bodies and damage the pipes that transport water. Fortunately, scientists have found a clever way to capture these iron ions using two materials called polydopamine (PDA) and polymethyl met

reading time less than a minute