"Groundwater levels are declining in an aquifer that serves parts of Wyoming and seven other states, according to a new report by the U.S. Geological Survey."

"With a 14-year drought in the Colorado River basin showing few signs of breaking, states along the river’s path are taking new steps this month to ensure that Lake Mead — the Colorado River reservoir that is the water source for much of the Southwest — does not fail them."

"More than 16,000 miles of Virginia rivers are polluted, a new report shows. That’s up nearly 3,000 miles from the previous report two years ago."

"A trickle of water is being returned to a few parts of the dried-out delta—and those parts are blooming."

"Herpes has devastated 26 percent of France’s oyster production since the summer of 2008. Halfway around the world in Australia, the virus killed 10 million oysters in three days."

"MUSKEGON, Mich. — Scientists say an invasive European snail that carries parasites fatal to some aquatic birds is spreading across the Great Lakes region."

"Road salt is a big help to roads and sidewalks in the winter, but it wreaks havoc in many streams in the northern United States, including Milwaukee."

"Whale watchers have spotted a stunning number of humpback whales in New York waters recently, especially around the Rockaway peninsula, part of New York's borough of Queens. More than a hundred of the massive and majestic beasts have been sighted so far this year, marking what may be the largest resurgence of whales the region has ever seen."

"When Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) hits his last few days in office next month, he plans to enact dramatic new regulations for farmers who use chicken droppings to fertilize their fields."