It will cost the San Francisco government around $14 billion to upgrade their aging wastewater facilities that are dumping nutrients from treated human sewage into the Bay Area. Currently, wastewater is feeding a giant algae bloom, which has lingered for two months and has killed tens of thousands of fish.
The algae bloom started appearing in late July but have since grown due to the number of nutrients from the urine and feces of the eight million Bay Area residents that are released into the water daily. One plant alone dumps 85 million gallons a day containing around 5.5 tons of nitrogen.
Scientists say the bloom was triggered by climate change, but its size, amount of organisms and how long it has lasted so far are due to human waste. It has resulted in the death of up to 10,000 fish that were suffocated by the algae covering the bay.
No sewage leaks had been found from the 37 plants in the area.
The bloom, which first appeared in Alameda, is now along Sausalito, Vallejo and Fremont, which is about 40 miles from where it first appeared.
Most facilities follow regulatory requirements, but the East Bay Municipal Utility District, (EBMUD) recently paid $816,000 for dumping 16.5 million gallons of partially treated wastewater in the Bay in October 2021.
The discharge is said to have found its way into the bay during a major rainstorm and was not purposely dumped. This is one of the issues with aging infrastructure. (Related: Toxic algae problem becoming a risk to human health and the economy, experts warn.)
The $14 billion needed to update wastewater plant systems will be used to cap the amount of nutrients dumped into the Bay, and this could be required in 2024 when regional permits are up for renewal.
However, the steep price tag could also cost ratepayers triple the amount on their water bills.
Algal bloom occurrence comes from gallons of untreated sewage flow
A similar algal bloom event occurred in 2010 as millions of gallons of untreated sewage flowed into the Bay.
Algae blooms happen when colonies of algae grow out of control. They only need sunlight, nitrogen and phosphorous to expand.
The red algal bloom in the Bay Area is said to be caused by a microorganism called Heterosigma akashiwo, which is always present in the Bay. The many years of dumping nitrogen into the Bay have poised this bloom to be one of the biggest in over a decade.
Algal bloom kills fish by suffocating them under a thick layer of microorganisms. As the algae grow, other plants die and become food for bacteria.
Jon Rosenfield, a senior scientist with the environmental group San Francisco Baykeeper, said algal blooms are like wildfire in the water. Harmful blooms can harm people, animals or the local ecology, and this particular one caused the mass deaths of fish by producing toxins or depleting the water’s oxygen levels, or both.
People are urged to keep animals and children out of the water after Oakland officials found “low levels of contaminants associated with harmful algal bloom.”
Rotting fish carcasses have already piled up in the waters, and the stench of rotting fish is also said to be so intense that some of them are resorting to wearing face masks outside to cover their noses.
Visit Pollution.news for more news about polluted waters.
Watch the video below for more reports of fish die-offs.
This video is from the Perfect Society channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
- It’s a simple chain of cause-and-effect: Toxic green algae in Florida is the result of man-made pollution.
- Toxic algal blooms can be easily eliminated by adding hydrogen peroxide to ocean water.
- Human fecal bacteria found in coral reefs more than 100 miles off Houston coast.
Sources include:
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
Where is the EPA, climate change morons, green
Activists. Double standards bastards!
It makes one wonder how much are the fines being handed out to the plant operator? What does the water quality control board have to say and what are they doing about it? If they started next Monday on a new facility it would take at the very least 5 years to complete. See Sacramento utility district sewage treatment facility. It finally in to its final stages of completion.