Wet wipes began as baby products, but now people use them for many things including makeup removal and applying insect repellent. As more people find uses for disposable wet wipes, more of them end up in the toilet. However, even if the company says they are flushable, they aren't always. Wet wipes are causing blockages in sewer systems around the country. Companies that label their wipes as flushable are suing states that have created standards for flushability. Listen to learn where your wet wipes go and how wastewater plants are using a form of forensics to uncover which companies are clogging up the pipes.
Story Length: 5:30
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November 1, 2017
3:44
There is widespread support for infrastructure spending from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Funding roads and bridges is good for the economy. It creates jobs, fuels growth, and helps Americans travel more quickly and safely. President Donald Trump promised a $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan as a part of his campaign as well as his presidency. Trump’s new budget has allocated $200 billion in federal money for infrastructure over 10 years, but also cuts programs he calls wasteful, including water facilities and airports. Listen to hear questions and concerns about where the money is going to come from.
Read MoreOctober 13, 2015
5:05
Hurricane Joaquin hit South Carolina bringing over 20 inches of rain. People were evacuated, homes flooded and roads collapsed. The cost of the damage is still being calculated and a few counties were declared disaster areas. People in South Carolina are very concerned about the failure of eleven dams that led to much of the flooding. Who is responsible? In some towns, the dams are owned by private homeowners, and have not gotten enough repair or attention. Listen to this story to hear about the damage from Hurricane Joaquin, and what can be done to prepare for future disasters.
Read MoreMay 20, 2015
2:50
Last Tuesday, May 12, 2015, an Amtrak train traveling from Washington, D.C. to New York City derailed when going around a sharp curve at over 100 miles an hour. At least eight people were killed and 200 injured. As the cleanup and investigation continues, people are looking for answers. Listen to this story about the history of Amtrak’s founding and funding and how this has shaped the troubled rail system’s infrastructure.
Read MoreMay 22, 2014
4:13
A Texas town has been living in severe drought conditions for three years and decided to recycle water from toilets, sinks, and other wash to meet their water needs. Water plant officials say that the water is completely clean of bacteria, but residents would rather drink bottled water. Listen to this public radio story and discuss with your students.
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