A study of water samples 538 private water supplies in Virginia found 41% contaminated with total coliforms and 10% with E. coli. Chemical parameters were not predictive of contamination, but well depth, treatment, and farm location were. Four samples were likely contaminated with human wastewater.

The 2023 WHO/UNICEF report focuses on gender inequalities in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It presents data on women's burden of water collection, safety concerns related to lack of sanitation, and menstrual health. It also highlights the need to consider access to WASH services as a gender issue.

The article examines the cost-effectiveness of different water quality monitoring approaches in rural Africa, focusing on microbial contamination, particularly E. coli. It compares four testing methods: centralized, semi-centralized, decentralized, and mobile laboratory analysis. Using case studies from Ghana and Uganda, and a Monte Carlo simulation model, the study identifies the most cost-effective approach based on factors like distance, water system density, and sampling frequency. The findings suggest that centralized testing is generally the most affordable option, but semi-centralized or decentralized methods may be better for remote areas. The article also explores alternative low-cost testing methods to enhance decentralized testing.

Climate change, conflict, and displacement are increasing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. This WHO/UNICEF technical note offers practical guidance for implementing water, sanitation, and waste management measures to prevent these diseases, particularly in emergency situations.

This study reviewed materials used to remove petroleum and oil products from contaminated water. Fibrous sorbents are ideal for large spills, while dispersed or granulated ones work best for small slicks. Multilayer filters are most effective for wastewater purification. Modifying sorbent materials can enhance their properties and create new purification technologies.

A study combined numerical modeling and health risk assessment to evaluate the impact of oil depot leakage on groundwater pollution. The study found that organic pollutants pose the highest risk, followed by heavy metals and inorganic pollutants. The polluted area is expected to expand over time, posing both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. This research provides valuable insights for protecting groundwater sources and informing remediation efforts.

Increased pesticide use in agriculture has led to elevated levels in water. This review examines various chemical, physical, and biological methods for pesticide removal, including advanced oxidation, adsorption, and membrane technologies. Both single and hybrid approaches are discussed, with hybrid methods showing potential for innovative solutions. Careful consideration of the best removal techniques is crucial for designing water treatment plants that maximize pesticide removal. Decentralized treatment is also a cost-effective approach for improving effluent water quality.

This project developed a water treatment system using magnetite nanoparticles to remove heavy metals and microbes. It optimized the adsorption of lead and arsenic onto surfactant-free magnetite nanoparticles, and developed a sustainable method for synthesizing the nanoparticles using household items. The system successfully removed heavy metals to meet EPA standards, and explored alternative methods for microbe removal using slow sand filters.