Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Water-short cities in the West want to use every drop, even from sewage

Aug 23, 2023
Direct potable reuse technology, which lets cities pump treated wastewater back into pipes, is picking up steam from Colorado to California.
A flask of purified recycled water after a demonstration in Carson, California.
Alex Hager/KUNC

Some climate-conscious homeowners are embracing at-home water reuse

Jun 30, 2023
Some conservationists see greywater recycling as the next frontier in sustainable living.
A refrigerator-sized appliance, made by Hydraloop, that recycles gray water, stands next to the washer and dryer in the garage of Justin Fox, in Carlsbad, California, Jan. 24, 2023.
Hart Van Denburg

How underfunding and white flight contributed to Jackson, Mississippi's water crisis

Sep 2, 2022
Most of the residents of this predominantly Black city have been without safe tap water this week. The infrastructure problems that triggered this situation aren't unique.
Terrence Carter mixes bleach and soap into the water before washing dishes in response to the water crisis on September 01, 2022 in Jackson, Mississippi. The water pressure increased in Carters apartment on Wednesday, however the water is still unsafe to drink. Jackson has been experiencing days without reliable water service after river flooding caused the main treatment facility to fail.
Brad Vest/Getty Images

Looking back at the Flint water crisis, eight years on

Apr 27, 2022
A 2017 report found that systemic racism played a role in the crisis that exposed thousands of Flint, Michigan residents to lead in their water supply.
Flint, Michigan has become synonymous with the water crisis that exposed thousands of residents to lead.
Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Building an agricultural empire in a land of drought

Feb 5, 2018
The Wonderful Company produced more pistachios and almonds than anyone else in the world. But to make money, they need water.
A Wonderful Company citrus orchard.
Photo courtesy of Trent Davis Bailey/The California Sunday Magazine

How Flint Schools are faring now

Sep 23, 2016
Superintendent Bilal Tawwab says there's still work to be done.
Flint schools still have to use bottled water.
Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Reflecting on Flint: what happens now?

Jan 29, 2016
Marketplace Weekend host Lizzie O'Leary talks about what she saw in Flint after a week of reporting

For public good, not for profit.

Flint water lawsuits highlight government immunity

Jan 27, 2016
A coalition of groups including the ACLU filed suit against the city.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speaks to the media regarding the status of the Flint water crisis as Michigan Press Secretary Dave Murray watches on January 27, 2016 at Flint City Hall in Flint, Michigan. Lawsuits have been filed against the state of Michigan and city of Flint officials in wake of the water crisis. 
Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

Lawsuits pile up over Flint water crisis

Jan 20, 2016
Meanwhile, lawsuits against public officials and entities in Michigan are starting to pile up over lead-tainted water.