March 7, 2026

This Week's Water News:  A study shows twenty year decline in nitrate pollution in Mississippi River, a bill proposed in Missouri to place water and energy requirements on data center development, signs of Cuyahoga River health in Ohio, a river road cleanup in Columbia, north-central partners sign pact for new lake dam and spillway, Kansas City discusses proposed ban on shooter bottles, a fish passage project taking shape on the Mississippi, restoration of the Indian River lagoon in Florida, push back on an unacceptable draft plan for the Colorado River, how educational signs share about waterway, Florida university partners for Amazon River project, the miracle of water striders, and a polar plunge at Lake of the Ozarks

MISSOURI
Ban on Mini Liquor Bottle Sales Introduced
A ban on mini liquor bottle sales in five Kansas City neighborhoods officially introduced
MSN

Public Hearing Held on Shooter Bottle Ban
Public Hearing Held on Shooter Bottle Ban
Spectrum Local News

21st Annual River Road Cleanup
Missouri River Relief Hosts 21st Annual River Road Cleanup
Columbia Missourian

Water and Power Usage Requirements for Data Center Proposed
Missouri Lawmakers Propose Water and Power Usage Requirements for Data Centers
NPR

Almost a Miracle
Conservation Corner: Almost a Miracle 
West News Magazine

Annual Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge
More than 200 Plungers Participate in Annual Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge
KRCG13

NCMRWC, NRCS Sign Pact for Dam and Spillway
NCMRWC, NRCS Sign $62.9M Pact for Dam and Spillway
KTTN

NATIONAL
New Educational Signs About Waterways’ Impact
New Signs Along the Mississippi River Educate Residents, Visitors About Waterway’s Impacts
WAFB9

Study Shows 20-Year Decline in Nitrate Pollution
Study Shows 20-Year Decline in Nitrate Pollution Across Portions of the Mississippi River Basin
News Wise

Fish Passage Project Taking Shape
Lock and Dam 22 Fish Passage Project Taking Shape
DVIDS

Restoration Innovation on the Indian River Lagoon
Restoration Innovation on the Indian River Lagoon: Spartan Reefs, Super Clams, and More
NOAA Fisheries

Signs of Cuyahoga River Health
Playful Otters by Cuyhoga River in Kent a Sign of Waterway’s Health
Akron Beacon Journal

Push Back on ‘Unacceptable’ Draft for Colorado River Management
AZ Water Leaders Push Back on ‘Unacceptable’ Draft of Federal Plans for Managing Colorado River
KJZZ

FIU Partners with Local Communities to Protect the Amazon River
FIU Partners with Local Communities to Protect the Amazon River
FIU