Brett Walton

About Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club's Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, September 3: Government Lawyers Defend EPA Water Quality Standards in Supreme Court Case

September 3, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Federal lawyers respond to San Francisco’s objection to certain water quality standards for its wastewater treatment plant. Proposed new federal standards to protect workers from extreme heat include stipulations for drinking water. EPA internal watchdog will begin inquiry into U.S. Virgin Islands management capacity for water infrastructure funds. House subcommittee will hold a […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 26: First National Heat Strategy Focuses on Readiness

August 26, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Agencies publish the first national heat strategy to prepare communities for higher temperatures. Watchdog agency recommends changing the formula for allocating clean water infrastructure funds to states. EPA announces grants to address lead in school drinking water and prepare water providers for natural hazards. Interior Department releases guidelines to apply for $775 million […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

War, Drought Cause Spike in Violent Water Conflicts

August 22, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

New report catalogs sharp rise in clashes connected to water in 2023.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 19: Water Shortage Status Remains on Lower Colorado River

August 19, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Bureau of Reclamation report determines next year’s water releases – and cuts – for the lower Colorado River. Reclamation’s completion of an environmental review paves the way for payments to California farmers not to take Colorado River water. FEMA extends the application period for post-disaster rebuilding grants. USDA wants public input on how […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Some of Arizona’s Most Valuable Water Could Soon Hit the Market

August 12, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

A small tribal community along the Colorado River could become a major player in the state’s water supply.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 12: Research Shows Mercury, Streamflow Increase after Western Fires

August 12, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Federal agencies contribute to research on the post-fire impacts to watersheds. Reclamation will soon release a study that determines water releases next year from the Colorado River’s main reservoirs. EPA hands out $4.3 billion in climate pollution reduction grants. Two senators ask USDA to adjust soil and water conservation programs for Great Plains […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 5: Senate Passes Water Infrastructure Bill Before Summer Break

August 5, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown USDA offers farmers in western states cash for conserving water while also maintaining farm output. Defense Department continues to deal with PFAS contamination at military bases. Reclamation begins accepting applications for $450 million in drought resilience funding in the Upper Colorado River basin. GAO assesses EPA cybersecurity approach for water utilities and sourcing […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

When the Heat Is On, Water Can Still Be Off in Great Lakes Cities

July 30, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Formal water shutoff policies in some cities are ill-defined for extreme heat.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, July 29: No Revision of Current Drinking Water Regulations Needed, EPA Determines in Mandated Review

July 29, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown EPA determines that no federal drinking water regulations need to be revised right now. House passes budget bill with 20 percent EPA spending cut. EPA announces first round of funding in a $2 billion grant program for water and climate environmental justice projects. White House releases report identifying climate resilience “game changers.” EPA […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, July 22: EPA Scientists Assess Toxicity to Humans of ‘Forever Chemical’

July 22, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown EPA scientists assess the human toxicity of PFDA, one of the “forever chemicals.” Arizona representatives introduce tribal water rights settlement in Congress. NOAA begins seasonal forecasts of Lake Erie’s harmful algal bloom. Small businesses affected by the Atlanta water main break last month are now eligible for subsidized loans. Federal agencies publish draft […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, July 15: $5 Billion Tribal Water Rights Settlement Introduced in Congress

July 15, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Senators introduce bipartisan bill to settle Colorado River and other water rights for Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes. FEMA finalizes new standards for using federal funds to rebuild in a floodplain. U.S. and Canada agree to principles for updating Columbia River Treaty. U.S. Geological survey publishes reports on nitrogen pollution […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, July 8: Feds Sue Washington State Dairies over Nitrate Pollution

July 8, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Justice Department files lawsuit against Yakima Valley dairies for polluting groundwater. EPA publishes new maps of water system boundaries. Reclamation finalizes plan to protect Colorado River fish from non-native predators. House committee considers a budget bill that would cut EPA funding by 20 percent. Reclamation assesses a Colorado River water conservation plan from […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

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About Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton