WATERFUL

Emergency services searched Hamburg's Inner Alster lake near the Jungfernstieg promenade after reports of a person in the water. According to WELT, the search for the swimmer ended without success, and it remains unclear whether anyone was actually in the lake. The operation drew attention in the city centre, a busy spot for residents and tourists.

A Dutch report finds most data centers are refusing to disclose how much water and electricity they consume, raising concerns about the industry's environmental footprint amid rapid growth driven by cloud computing and AI. Observers are debating whether operators should be legally required to publish their resource usage.

Lassi, the traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, is being discussed widely in Sweden, ranking among the top trending topics on X in the region. The drink, typically made by blending yogurt with water, salt or sugar, and spices, has drawn attention from Swedish users, though the exact reason for the surge in interest is not yet clear.

The Hinkley Point C nuclear power station under construction in Somerset, England has completed a 620-metre tunnel designed to protect fish in the Bristol Channel. The tunnel is part of the project's water intake system, built to reduce the impact on marine life as the plant draws cooling water. It marks another construction milestone for the site, which is being developed by EDF Energy.

Lithia Springs Resort in Ashland, Oregon pipes its naturally carbonated lithia mineral water directly into guest rooms, according to an OregonLive report. The unusual amenity puts the town's famed mineral springs, long a draw for visitors to southern Oregon, at the center of the guest experience.

Firefighters in the Alto Adige region of northern Italy rescued a cow that had fallen into a hotel swimming pool. The unusual rescue, which ended with the animal being pulled safely from the water, is drawing amused and baffled reactions as the odd local news story spreads.

Fashion's environmental footprint begins long before the runway or the garment rack, with the way raw fibres such as cotton, wool and synthetics are farmed and produced. New attention is turning to agriculture's role in the industry's emissions, water use and soil damage, with calls for brands to address fibre sourcing as the first step toward sustainability.

A judge has ruled that prosecutors cannot revive charges against a former Olympian in a case involving a reflecting pool, following an earlier decision to drop the charges. The ruling closes the door on re-filing the case, drawing attention for combining a high-profile sports figure with an unusual legal dispute over the landmark water feature.

Swimmers are being warned to stay out of bathing spots in the city after sewage contamination prompted official no-swim advice. The warning means people are being urged to avoid entering the water at popular sites while water quality is assessed and the pollution risk remains.

British health officials are reporting a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite, with many cases connected to travel to Mexico. The illness typically causes prolonged diarrhoea, fatigue and stomach cramps, and is often associated with contaminated food or water abroad. Health authorities are urging returning travellers with symptoms to seek medical advice. US outlets are also covering the story, as cyclospora outbreaks tied to travel and fresh produce have drawn attention in North America in recent years.

Firefighters in Wildwood responded to a large fire caused by a golf cart that had been exposed to floodwaters, according to CBS News. The incident highlights the fire risk posed by electrical equipment and batteries after flooding, as water damage can trigger short circuits and ignitions. Residents are being reminded to keep flooded vehicles and equipment away from charging or use until inspected.

A Wall Street Journal report examines how El Niño has suppressed the Atlantic hurricane season, producing an unusually quiet stretch with far fewer storms than expected. The pattern, marked by warmer Pacific waters and shifting winds, is disrupting storm formation across the Atlantic basin. It adds to ongoing debate over seasonal hurricane forecasts that predicted a much more active year.

Researchers have used genome editing to identify a genetic switch in alfalfa that controls how the plant responds to drought. The finding, reported by CRISPR Medicine News, could help breeders develop alfalfa varieties that stay productive under water stress. Alfalfa is a major forage crop, so improving its drought tolerance has significant agricultural implications.

Health officials are investigating a parasite outbreak traced to a pool at a McMenamins location, with 14 people reported sick. The cases are consistent with cryptosporidium, a parasite commonly spread in recreational water. Officials are urging anyone with symptoms such as diarrhea to stay out of pools, and the facility's status and further testing remain under review.

A powerful nor'easter has slammed into New York, flooding Coney Island and parts of Long Island. Coastal communities are dealing with rising water as the storm brings heavy rain and strong winds to the region. Updates are being closely followed as conditions develop.

Health officials are investigating a cryptosporidium-style parasite outbreak linked to a swimming pool at McMenamins Anderson School in Bothell, Washington, with 14 people reporting illness after swimming. Cases were spread through contaminated pool water, and authorities are urging anyone with symptoms such as diarrhea to avoid swimming for two weeks. The venue is cooperating with public health officials.

Scientists have described a new species of dragonfish, Eustomias clarkei, found in waters off the United States. The formal description was published in the journal Zootaxa, and the species' taxonomic treatment has been made openly accessible through Plazi's treatment repository. The announcement has drawn attention in science communication circles, where new deep-sea species discoveries typically generate interest due to how little is known about life in the ocean's depths.

New Mexico's environment secretary has criticised a data center project in Doña Ana County, taking issue with its lack of transparency. The comments come amid growing local and national scrutiny of large data centers, which raise concerns over water and energy use. Details of the secretary's specific objections and the project's backers were not provided.

El Niño conditions are developing as trade winds over the tropical Pacific weaken, allowing warm surface water to spread eastward instead of pooling near Indonesia. The zone of rising moist air shifts with the warm water, bringing heavier rain to coastal Peru while drying out the western Pacific. The explainer is drawing attention as forecasters and the public track the arrival and impacts of the new El Niño event.

Ocean Breeze Energy has acquired the alpha ventus offshore wind farm, one of the first offshore wind projects in German waters of the North Sea. The deal transfers ownership of the pioneering wind farm, which has served as a test site for offshore turbine technology since its commissioning. The purchase underlines growing investor interest in Europe's established offshore wind assets as the sector expands.