The Waterly
"The Waterly" is a weekly all-things-water newsletter we share with our community covering the latest innovations and investment deal flow in the water sector and recent news on climate change and water-related crises.
Scientists may have found a solution to PFAS. Study shows water separates into two different liquids at low temperatures. Water management tech company Sensoterra raises EUR 1 million to save water. Microsoft is using too much water. US cotton is devasted by drought. Water firms should answer to citizens, not shareholders. Testing for PFAS in your blood. Tim Chang is this week's highlighted WELL member.
Your weekly Bonus - Don't shower during a thunderstorm! We explain why.
This week's water quote:
“Give to those that thirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Today I drink the water
For Wisdom that it gives,
For Grace to see the answers
For Love that truly lives
The fountain flows forever
The waters deep and pure,
The circle never-ending
Of that I can be sure
Today the waters wash me
And I in turn, wash you,
Receiving as we’re thirsty
Then giving, washes anew”
Tech & Innovation
This spine-like wave energy generator claims to beat fossil fuels on price
Cyprus-based Sea Wave Energy Limited (SWEL) has been working on its technology to capture energy from the waves for over a decade now. Earlier this year, the company unveiled the prototype called the Waveline Magnet, which comprises several floating platforms linked to each other to give it a floating-spine-like appearance.
Scientists Think They've Found A Shockingly Simple Way to Degrade 'Forever Chemicals'
A team of scientists has discovered a simple, low-energy way to break apart one of the largest groups of 'forever chemicals', nefarious pollutants that have been linked to environmental harm and human health concerns.
New study proves that water separates into two different liquids at low temperatures
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Sapienza Università di Roma have found that water can change from one form of liquid into a denser form of liquid, according to a press release published by the University of Birmingham.
The rise of vertical farms: could indoor plant factories be the norm in 10 years?
Behind an airtight door, inside a warehouse 10 minutes walk from Bristol city centre, shelves of vibrant chives sprout enthusiastically towards a sky of multicoloured LEDs. The air they are transpiring smells earthy, despite the absence of soil, while a mechanical hum provides a soothing substitute for birdsong.
Corporate & Deals
Water management technology company Sensoterra raises EUR 1M to accelerate growth and expand product offering
Sensoterra enables its end-customers, farmers, advisors and (smart) cities, to save water, fuel and inputs, while at the same time realize higher crop yields and better-quality green.
Drought-stricken Holland discovers Microsoft data center slurped 84m liters of drinking water last year
Microsoft, and the municipality of Hollands-Kroon, had previously said the Middenmeer facility would only need 12m to 20m liters per year, but local news outlet Noordhollands Dagblad uncovered classified figures which revealed the site, where Microsoft runs multiple data centers, used 84 million liters.
Water & the Environment
Flash floods wreak havoc in US south-west – but are no salve for drought
Flash floods hitting the American south-west in recent days have shuttered parts of national parks including in Moab and Zion, closed highways in Colorado, submerged cars in Texas and trapped tourists in a New Mexico cave.
Water firms exist to sustain life. They should answer to citizens, not shareholders
An oversight system with teeth would stop utilities from inflicting misery by profiteering.
Drought Devastates U.S. Cotton Harvest
Southwestern cotton growers are abandoning millions of parched acres that they planted in spring, prompting forecasts for the weakest U.S. harvest in more than a decade and sending prices sharply higher.
Marine heatwave: Record sea temperatures seen in the Mediterranean could devastate marine life
The ocean sustains all life on our planet. It provides food to eat and oxygen to breathe while playing a key role in moderating our climate. But marine life is increasingly threatened by climate change. The ocean is becoming considerably warmer, affecting its ability to sustain life.
PFAS & Chemicals
What Can We Do About PFAS Exposure?
A New Report Offers Guidelines for PFAS Blood Tests & Medical Care & We Spoke With Ned Calonge, The Committee Chair For The Report.
Are You A Tap Water Avoider?
From the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan and the thousands of cities where lead poisoning is worse than Flint to the PFAS crisis and other toxic pollution issues, many people do not trust tap water and with good reason.
Tim co-leads Mayfield venture fund's Consumer investment practice. He has been twice named to the Forbes Midas list of Top Tech Investors.
Tim was previously a Partner at Norwest Venture Partners, where he led NVP's investment in Playdom, ngmoco, AdChina, PCH International, and Lumosity. Prior to joining Norwest, Tim was a Principal at Gabriel Venture Partners, where he established and led their wireless practice. Before entering the venture capital industry, Tim was a Product Manager at Gateway, where he launched Enterprise products into the Japanese market. He began his career as a tri-lingual development engineer for General Motors, working across China, Korea, and Japan.
Thank you Tim for adding your expertise, passion and keen insights to WIA and the WELL community.
Water & Home
Never Shower During A Thunderstorm. A Physicist Explains Why
The Met Office has issued several "yellow thunderstorm warnings" for the UK, highlighting the potential for frequent lightning.
