{
  "id": 19845894,
  "title": "Bigger and more-frequent wildfires threaten water supplies across the US",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/bigger-and-more-frequent-wildfires-threaten-water-supplies-across-the-19845894",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T17:41:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mongabay",
    "slug": "mongabay",
    "url": "https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/bigger-and-more-frequent-wildfires-threaten-water-supplies-across-the-us/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A record number of wildfires have scorched more than 14,062 square miles in the United States this year, leaving behind charred trees and vegetation. However, the consequences of these fires extend beyond the visible destruction, significantly impacting the water supplies that communities rely on for drinking and other uses. After a wildfire ravages a watershed, rainwater carries ash and organic matter into the streams that supply water treatment plants for towns and cities. In response, utilities must halt water intake to prevent sediment-laden water from contaminating their systems and switch to an alternative source, if one is available.\n\nNew research reveals that wildfires can contaminate water sources for up to 15 years post-fire. This is particularly alarming considering that climate change has resulted in a surge of both the frequency and size of wildfires across the U.S. With the growing threat posed by these recurring fires, authorities are urgently examining how to safeguard water supplies amidst the escalating wildfire crisis.",
  "summary": "A record number of wildfires burned more than 14,062 square miles in the U.S. this year, leaving behind charred trees and scorched vegetation. But less-obvious are the impacts they had on the streams and rivers that provide drinking water to urban and rural communities across the country. After a wildfire burns a watershed, rain will […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Bigger and more-frequent wildfires threaten water supplies across the US",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/bigger-and-more-frequent-wildfires-threaten-water-supplies-across-the",
        "published": "2026-11-13T11:04:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "PBS NewsHour Science",
        "title": "Bigger and more-frequent wildfires threaten water supplies across the U.S.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/bigger-and-more-frequent-wildfires-threaten-water-supplies-across-the-19838286",
        "published": "2026-11-13T17:21:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}