Tap'd In

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana explore a startling new study revealing that at least 28 major U.S. cities are slowly sinking. Published in Nature Cities by Virginia Tech researchers, the study links land subsidence to excessive groundwater extraction—an invisible crisis with massive implications. Jordan and Lana break down how this silent shift threatens buildings, roads, and entire communities, and how climate change and extreme weather could accelerate the damage. As the ground literally gives way beneath us, they ask: what can be done to protect our cities from sinking into crisis?

Article: 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cities-are-sinking-new-study-finds-damage/

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana dig into the growing tension between domestic mineral mining and clean water protection, inspired by a recent piece in The Brockovich Report. A new executive order aims to fast-track mining for critical minerals needed in modern tech and energy—but at what cost? The episode explores how past and present mining operations have contaminated U.S. water supplies and questions whether current regulations are strong enough to prevent further harm. Jordan and Lana discuss the need for a balanced approach that ensures responsible mining while safeguarding communities and water resources.

Article: 

https://www.thebrockovichreport.com/p/a-shiny-assault-on-clean-water

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana explore the growing trend of land grabs driven by access to water rights. As climate change intensifies scarcity, water is being dubbed the next "blue gold"—a commodity as coveted as Bitcoin. Wealthy investors are quietly acquiring land with strategic water access, raising urgent questions about equity, privatization, and the future of a resource essential to life. Jordan and Lana break down the implications of turning water into a financial asset and ask: will water access soon depend on your bank account?

Article: 

https://yourstory.com/2025/04/water-rights-elite-land-grab

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana explore the unfolding water crisis in Mexico City, one of the world’s largest and most water-stressed metropolises. They unpack the historical and environmental challenges—from the drained Lake Texcoco and sinking city foundations to heat waves and the endangered Xochimilco ecosystem. They discuss how overuse, climate change, failing infrastructure, and inequality converge to fuel this crisis—and explore potential solutions and the resilience of communities facing an uncertain future.

Article: 

https://mexicocitywater.longlead.com/

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana explore a thought-provoking comparison: are today’s plastic water systems the modern equivalent of the Roman Empire’s lead pipes? Drawing from a recent Echo River Capital article, the episode dives into growing evidence that plastic pipes leach microplastics, nanoplastics, and PFAS into drinking water—with potential consequences for brain health, plant life, and food security. Jordan and Lana break down the science, discuss practical steps to reduce exposure, and spotlight innovative companies tackling the plastic crisis. Is our water infrastructure poisoning us slowly—and what can we do about it?

Article: 

https://www.echorivercap.com/post/march-2025-the-modern-lead-pipes-plastics-in-our-water-system-and-the-roman-parallel?

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana unpack Utah’s controversial decision to become the first state to ban fluoride from public drinking water. Signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox, the move has ignited a heated debate across the country. Public health experts and dental organizations warn that the ban could increase cavities, especially among low-income communities, while supporters argue it’s about personal freedom and cutting costs. Jordan and Lana explore both sides of the issue, the science behind fluoride, and what this decision means for the future of public health policy in the U.S.

Articles: 

https://www.foxnews.com/health/utah-bans-fluoride-from-public-drinking-water-aligning-maha-movement 

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/28/health/utah-fluoride-drinking-water/index.html 

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana expose the dangers of 1,4-dioxane, a little-known but widespread contaminant in U.S. drinking water. Dubbed another "forever chemical," this likely carcinogen lingers in the environment due to industrial waste and its presence in household products—yet it remains largely unregulated at the federal level. The episode explores how some states are taking action while others lag behind, leaving consumers vulnerable. 

Article: 

https://www.thebrockovichreport.com/p/the-other-forever-chemical-you-need

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana break down the looming water rate hikes affecting millions of Californians, particularly in San Diego County. According to an SFGate report, water costs could surge by up to 70% by the end of the decade, driven by rising expenses for imported water, infrastructure maintenance, and operational costs. Despite investments in storage, desalination, and recycled water, consumers are bearing the financial burden. Jordan and Lana explore the economic and policy factors behind these rate hikes, whether there are fairer alternatives, and what this means for the future of water affordability in California.

Article: 

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/water-rate-hike-california-20209007.php

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana examine the alarming state of U.S. drinking water, drawing insights from Erin Brockovich’s report and recent developments in the Flint water crisis. Brockovich highlights the widespread presence of chemicals, heavy metals, and radioactive substances in water supplies, often exceeding safe levels, while slow federal action and inadequate regulations leave millions at risk. Meanwhile, the Flint water crisis sees another legal chapter as Veolia North America agrees to a $53 million settlement—while denying responsibility. Jordan and Lana discuss the systemic failures in water management, the role of industry and government, and what individuals can do to stay informed and take action for safer drinking water.

Articles: 

https://www.thebrockovichreport.com/p/a-cocktail-of-chemicals-remain-in

https://apnews.com/article/flint-water-settlement-lead-3cadd9eb6ffbd699159c992de9cdbc27

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana dive into the ColdFusion YouTube investigation on the Resnicks, the billionaire couple who wield enormous influence over California’s water. The episode unpacks how they built their empire, their control over water rights in a drought-prone state, and the ethical concerns surrounding private ownership of such a vital resource. Jordan and Lana also discuss the broader implications of their water management on California’s wildfires and ongoing water crisis, questioning whether the state’s laws allow for fair and sustainable distribution. Is it time to rethink who controls water?

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUKObLa5TRk

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/