mark warner

Sen. Mark Warner seeks assurances on drinking water for military families

Chris Graham

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) today asked Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to take action to protect military families from unsafe levels of lead in drinking water. Recent tests at two Hampton Roads Navy child care centers found lead in drinking water that far exceeded Environmental Protection Agency safety levels. Lead exposure has been found to cause serious medical issues including permanent damage to the brain and nervous system, which can result in behavioral and learning problems. Sen. Warner urged Secretary Hagel to confirm that appropriate testing has occurred at other military facilities across all branches of the military services.

Earth Talk: Chlorine in drinking water

Roddy Scheer

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chlorine levels of four parts per million or below in drinking water—whether from a private well or municipal reservoir—are acceptable from a human health standpoint. Inexpensive home drinking water test kits (from $5 on up) that can detect levels of chlorine and other elements in water are widely available from online vendors. Administering the tests is easy and can provide parents with a way to involve kids in science for a practical purpose right at home.

Bridgewater College to dedicate electric-vehicle charging station

Chris Graham

Bridgewater College will officially dedicate an electric-vehicle charging station that is believed to be one of only a few at a Virginia college. College officials and local legislators will perform a ribbon cutting March 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the Stone Village parking lot. The public is invited to attend.