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Water Pressure 1: New England Stole California's Snow
From Rupa Shenoy | Part of the Water Pressure series | 08:13
Our relationship with water is changing, and we can’t ignore that water’s moods are getting a lot more dramatic.
What's California's drought got to do with New England? Turns out, alot. Water links us all, and this winter, California's loss was New England's unfortunate gain.
Water Pressure 2: When It Rains, It Floods -- and Pollutes
From Rupa Shenoy | Part of the Water Pressure series | 05:27
Our progress on cleaning up waterways has stalled, and scientists are blaming... everyone.
Our water has gotten a lot cleaner in the last few decades as we increased regulation of industial pollution. But recently, progress stopped. Scientists think that's because we've underestimated one huge source of pollution -- everything that washes off the ground when it rains. Altogether it’s called “nonpoint pollution,” because it doesn’t come from one point source, like a drainage pipe from a factory. It comes from all over – your neighbor’s lawn, the baseball field down the street, or the farm you pass on the highway. And it might be causing more problems than we know.
Water Pressure 3: Water Isn't Just Running Out In California
From Rupa Shenoy | Part of the Water Pressure series | 06:31
Our biggest source of freshwater is running out -- everywhere.
Most of the world's freshwater is stored below our feet, in underground caves called groundwater aquifers. They’re supposed to be naturally refilled by rain and snow – but we’ve covered too much of the ground with cement. Groundwater aquifers aren't being replenished fast enough -- even in places that get plenty of rain.
Water Pressure 4: Water's Taking it Back
From Rupa Shenoy | Part of the Water Pressure series | 06:07
Water is claiming more coastal land, everywhere. So, do we prepare for that, or protect against it?
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California is dealing now with the issues scientists say New England will face more often in the next century -- as glaciers melt, oceans rise, and the seas claim more coastline. The California coast is sandier than back East; and the waves are more powerful. So erosion is much farther along here. But lost apartment buildings like these in Pacifica taught California officials a valuable lesson: It’s easier – and cheaper -- to prepare rather than react to the incoming seas.