Elin Betanzo 3/9/26 Elin Betanzo 3/9/26

E. coli found in drinking water of metro-east city that floods with sewage

Cahokia Heights residents have found E. coli in their drinking water through community-organized testing of samples from kitchen taps. The results raise new questions about infrastructure in a community plagued by sewage spills and flooding.

Elin Betanzo 3/8/26 Elin Betanzo 3/8/26

Op-Ed: Red Hill water tanks need much better care

When the Navy confirmed jet fuel contaminated Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam's (JBPHH's) drinking water, it exposed more than a fuel spill. It revealed serious failures at the Red Hill fuel facility and years of poor oversight of the JBPHH water system. Years later, key repairs and upgrades remain unfinished. Current decisions raise concerns about ongoing drinking water risk beyond the fuel spill contamination.

Elin Betanzo 2/26/26 Elin Betanzo 2/26/26

Get the Lead Out: How New Orleans can reduce toxic heavy metal exposure

Case studies of two cities and a state that faced lead contamination problems may give New Orleans a roadmap to cleaning its pollution.

Elin Betanzo 9/23/25 Elin Betanzo 9/23/25

Chicago Drinking Water News Roundup

Chicago has more lead service lines than any other city in the country—an estimated 400,000 pipes that allow lead to get in drinking water. Safe Water Engineering has been working to help residents understand the risks and the new requirements aimed at protecting public health and moving toward replacement.

Elin Betanzo 9/15/25 Elin Betanzo 9/15/25

Michigan steps-up hunt for microplastic pollution in state waters

LANSING, MI — The state of Michigan began testing a random assortment of rivers and streams for microplastics this year. Data from the first sampling round is being analyzed and quality-checked, but the preliminary results are not encouraging.

Basically, they’re finding it everywhere.

Elin Betanzo 7/10/25 Elin Betanzo 7/10/25

Wyandotte News Roundup

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recently issued a Significant Deficiency Violation Notice to the Wyandotte Water Department stating “Significant deficiencies represent an immediate health risk to consumers of water.”

Here is a summary of recent news coverage…

Elin Betanzo 6/17/25 Elin Betanzo 6/17/25

The People Flint Made

This article is part of “Flint Unfiltered: Stories from An American Water Crisis,” a project that DCReport has partnered on with the School of Journalism at Northeastern University. Eight of their enterprising students delved into the story of Flint, Michigan, the site of one of the country’s worst public health crises. As part of our mentoring program, we’re amplifying their efforts by sharing the amazing work produced by their students, as well as personal essays from Flint residents and stakeholders. Please visit the project’s website HERE.