South Africa’s “economic heartland” proved that water shortages can happen even if the dams are full. Taps have run dry in Gauteng’s major cities, with many areas receiving intermittent supplies and others receiving no water at all. It turned out that the water and sanitation infrastructures are old and the water resources are poorly managed. Some water pipes were installed nearly a century ago, and there’s been poor planning and a lack of financing to maintain ageing infrastructure to keep up with rapid urbanisation. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
