Entries by Brett Walton

$1.5 Billion for Water-Bill Assistance Inserted in House Democrats’ Coronavirus Aid Package

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The latest version of the House Democrats’ coronavirus emergency aid package includes $1.5 billion to help Americans pay their water bills during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

Federal Water Tap, March 23: Defense Department Investigates Hundreds More Military Sites for Possible PFAS Contamination

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The Rundown The cost and scope of the Defense Department’s PFAS contamination expands. A Florida representative proposes a tax on pumping groundwater and spring water for bottled drinking water. NOAA forecasters say that 23 states have an elevated flood risk this spring. And lastly, the Army Corps, at President Trump’s request, withdraws a water supply […]

‘This Is the Time to Act Collectively’: Anticipating Coronavirus Spread, Groups Seek to Scale Up Handwashing and Hygiene Efforts

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Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, handwashing and hygiene are swelling in urgency and support, even though the message being delivered is not new.

Healthcare Facilities in Developing Countries a High Risk for Coronavirus Transmission

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Few healthcare facilities in developing countries have complete water, sanitary, and hygienic services. They are vulnerable to Covid-19 transmission, health experts say.

Federal Water Tap, March 16: Senate Democrats Propose $20 Billion to Respond to PFAS Contamination of Drinking Water and Groundwater

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The Rundown Democrats introduce a bill to aid utilities with the cost of removing PFAS chemicals from drinking water. Democrats also call on utilities not to shut off water service to customers during the coronavirus outbreak. The House Natural Resources Committee advances four water bills. The GAO investigates abandoned hardrock mines. Federal agencies will host […]

As Cities Suspend Shutoffs, Water Access and Hygiene at Front of Coronavirus Response

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Governments at all levels are beginning to review water access policies and inequalities that inhibit public and personal efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Building Bigger Walls in San Francisco Bay to Hold Back Rising Waters

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Spurred by a recent change in federal flood zone maps and a desire to prepare for rising seas, Foster City is in the process of raising its levees.

Federal Water Tap, March 9: EPA Science Advisers Criticize Waters of the United States Definition

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The Rundown Outside advisers rebuke the EPA for a rule that is “inconsistent” with the Clean Water Act. Representatives introduce bills on regulating oil and gas water use on federally managed lands, a plumbing research laboratory, invasive aquatic species, Lake Ontario flooding, and a water technology research program. U.S. oil production grows 11 percent last […]

Speaking of Water – Rising Seas, Groundwater, and Flooding in the San Francisco Bay Area

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Brett WaltonBrett 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 […]

Hidden Flood Risk for San Francisco Bay Area Communities Lurks Underground

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Flooding linked to rising groundwater levels is a neglected consequence of rising seas. Bigger walls won’t keep it out.

Federal Water Tap, March 2: Breaching Snake River Dams Not Preferred Option in Columbia River Review

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The Rundown Federal agencies do not recommend breaching four lower Snake River dams to help salmon. The EPA unveils a water reuse plan. The Bureau of Reclamation grants permanent water delivery contracts to California cities and irrigation districts. Federal regulators tell a California water district to begin draining a reservoir that is at risk of […]

Speaking of Water: Sera Young on Identifying Who Is Water Insecure

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When it comes to water, who is insecure?