Penn State
Penn State is a university that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Novel model improves predictions of flood severity, place and time in continental U.S. with AI
A novel framework offers accurate water flow predictions and simulations with unprecedented efficiency.
Study finds some water conservation programs may get more value by targeting rural farms
Conservation programs aimed at boosting environmentally friendly practices by incentivizing farmers may get more bang for their buck by targeting rural farms rather than more urban ones, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State. In a study published in Land Economics, the team analyzed how likely it was that Pennsylvania farmers would adopt […]
Drinking water is getting saltier. How does that affect humans?
In the United States and across the world, research shows that groundwater is becoming saltier. Higher levels of salts in water may be harmful to people, reducing kidney function and increasing blood pressure. A new study will provide an opportunity to examine the impact of drinking water salinity on human health over time. A group […]
Microplastics impact cloud formation, likely affecting weather and climate
Scientists have spotted microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters, in some of the most pristine environments on Earth, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to the snow on Mt. Everest to the mountaintop clouds of China and Japan. Microplastics have been detected in human brains, the bellies of sea turtles and […]
Scientists examine how wastewater practices in Florida Keys impact water quality
Wastewater contains nutrients that can overfeed algae, leading to harmful algal blooms and pollution issues in the ocean and other waterways. A new study by researchers at Penn State tracked how these nutrients migrate from disposal sites in the Florida Keys, and the results have already informed wastewater practices in the region. The scientists reported […]
Microplastics increasing in freshwater, directly related to plastic production
Microplastics have been steadily increasing in freshwater environments for decades and are directly tied to rising global plastic production since the 1950s, according to a new study by an interdisciplinary team of Penn State researchers. The findings provide insight into how microplastics move and spread in freshwater environments, which could be important for creating long-term […]
New tool to help decision makers navigate possible futures of the Colorado River
The Colorado River is a vital source of water in the Western United States, providing drinking water for homes and irrigation for farms in seven states, but the basin is under increasing pressure from climate change and drought. A new computational tool developed by a research team, led by Penn State scientists, may help the […]
Solar farms with stormwater controls mitigate runoff, erosion, study finds
As the number of major utility-scale ground solar panel installations grows, concerns about their impacts on natural hydrologic processes also have grown. However, a new study by Penn State researchers suggests that excess runoff or increased erosion can be easily mitigated — if these "solar farms" are properly built. Solar panels are impervious to water, […]
Changing water conservation attitudes positively impacts water availability, study finds
The increased demand for clean water and its limited supply has made water management one of the most pressing challenges facing society today. Changing attitudes about water conservation could significantly impact water consumption and help address this issue, according to research led by Renee Obringer, assistant professor of energy and mineral engineering at Penn State. […]