The American Museum of Natural History in NYC is hosting an exhibition titled "Water: H20=Life" from November 3, 2007-May 26, 2008. The exhibit conveys some key messages about water, and covers a broad spectrum of topics. The facts on the exhibition website (like information on "frogsicles") are truly fascinating. The museum's kid's page is focusing on this exhibit as well...check out their "Stuff to Do," like creating a coral reef.

We encourage you to attend this event, and tell us what you learned, the impact of the exhibit, and any other thoughts.

Adding to the previous post about drinking water in New Jersey, the Courier News printed an article in a similar vein on November 11: "Experts say NJ's water could run out in 20 years." The article can be found at http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071111/NEWS/711110319. It is a very good article for anyone interested in planning for New Jersey's water future.

A recent article by the Asbury Park Press paints a bleak picture about the future of New Jersey's drinking water supplies. The article, "New Jersey drinking water running out: Supplies won't meet projected needs by 2020," covered the annual public hearing of the NJ Clean Water Council, and many of the participants presented "sobering news" about the state's drinking water situation. Speakers addressed problems ranging from aging water infrastructure to strains from population growth to issues arising from climate change.

The full article can be found at http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071024/NEWS03/710240337/1007. Is the future of drinking water in New Jersey being adequately addressed? Is the seriousness of the problem being over- or under-stated?

The National Academy of Sciences and the Global Health Education Foundation have joined with science, engineering, and medical academies from around the world to take action on the global drinking water crisis by launching the "Safe Drinking Water is Essential" website. Although developed with policy-makers in mind, the fascinating graphics and wealth of information, particularly about international drinking water issues, make it a wonderful tool for educators. Visit www.drinking-water.org and enjoy learning about safe drinking water! Once you've finished visiting, let us know what you think about what you've learned.

NJDEP has recently released a report on ‘natural capital’ in New Jersey – overall $20 billion/year. This includes both ecosystem services and ecosystem goods. It turns out that water provides a very prominent portion of the state's natural capital. For example, the report cites wetlands as providing over 90% of the value of ecosystems services, primarily from freshwater but also saltwater wetlands (about $9.4 billion/yr for freshwater and $1.2 billion/year for saltwater). Water resources are an important contributor to ecosystems goods.

To see the report for yourself, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/naturalcap/

We'd like to hear your thoughts about the report itself and what it means (or should mean) to various interests - government officials, developers, academia, advocacy groups, etc.

New Jersey DEP has unveiled revolutionary new water quality rules that would protect 910 miles along 15 major rivers and their tributaries. The stretches of river and stream would be given Category One protection, restricting future development within a 300 ft buffer on both sides of the waterway. Although the protections are piecemeal, with portions of waterways protected, this is an ambitious move by the state to protect water quality and supply. Additionally, the new rules will prohibit sewer systems on environmentally sensitive land, and overall there are several proposed changes to wastewater rules. The proposed rules can be found at www.nj.gov/dep/rules/notices.html (Surface Water Quality Standards, Category One; and Water Quality Management Planning rules).

Do these rules go too far or not far enough? Is it too little too late or the right amount of protection at the right time?

A new, high-profile report was recently released by the National Academies of Science about water management in the Colorado River Basin. The report, Colorado River Basin Water Management: Evaluating and Adjusting to Hydroclimatic Variability, warns that if current trends continue, shortages and low streamflow will become the norm. The study shows that average flow has historically fluctuated more than previously thought, throwing the current water allocation scheme into question. Also, evidence suggests that warmer temperatures in the future will reduce streamflow and water supplies through reduced snowpack and increased evaporation. According to In Focus magazine, the new data are prompting discussion among water managers in many arid parts of the western US where the Colorado River is the main source of surface water. You can find the complete In Focus article at http://infocusmagazine.org/7.1/env_colorado_river.html.

Rapid population growth in the region has led to sharply rising demand for water. The report warns that technology and conservation will not provide a panacea for coping with water shortages in the long run. Do you agree? What strategies should be employed? How do transfers of water rights from agricultural to municipal uses figure into the equation? What can New Jersey learn from this report?