Water Pollution

UCLA researchers have found that hydrogen sulfide emissions at the Salton Sea are at elevated levels and can cause serious health effects to those that live near the lake.

Water bills are climbing as utilities clean up a chemical made infamous in “Erin Brockovich.” Should lawmakers give them cover from lawsuits while work continues?

Scientists and officials say they need to figure out why the famed alpine lake isn't improving despite decades and billions of dollars in efforts. Clarity last year was about 40 feet worse than in the late 1960s. Runoff from roads and air pollution are leading causes.

California has no health standards for these chemicals in fish, so activists are urging action. Found in people and animals worldwide, they are linked to cancer and other health effects.

A new conservancy will oversee work to improve vegetation, water quality and natural habitat in the Salton Sea. Will nearly half a billion dollars in projects be enough?

Immigrants, tribes and other people of color rely on fish from San Francisco Bay and Delta rivers. California faces a federal discrimination probe for failing to protect them.

Drinking water contamination is a chronic, insidious threat in California’s rural communities. Some have been waiting for clean water for years.

Almost 400 suppliers, two-thirds in communities of color, don’t meet safety and reliability standards. Fixing them would cost billions.

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.

The nationwide cost to treat or replace contaminated drinking water is estimated at $1.5 billion a year. The ubiquitous chemicals, linked to cancer and other diseases, build up in people and the environment.