Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, March 21: U.S. Forest Service Updates Analysis of Forests and Drinking Water

The Rundown The U.S. Forest Service’s Forests to Faucets program re-evaluates the connections between forests and watersheds. Lake Powell dipped below 3,525 feet, a level that water users in the basin intended not to breach. House Democrats propose the creation of a Great Lakes Authority to promote economic development and environmental conservation in the eight-state […]

War in Ukraine Lengthens List of Violent Acts over Water

A new report details the rising number of clashes across the planet that are connected to water

Federal Water Tap, March 14: EPA Tells States to Prioritize Disadvantaged Communities for Water Infrastructure Funds

The Rundown EPA guidance for implementing the infrastructure bill focuses on disadvantaged communities. The Defense Department says it will close a bulk fuel storage facility on Oahu that is involved in a fuel leak that contaminated drinking water sources. President Biden’s executive order on digital assets requires a report on environmental ramifications of blockchain technologies. […]

IPCC Climate Report: Six Key Findings for Water

Scientific body warns of ‘rapidly closing window’ for action

Federal Water Tap, February 28: EPA Rejects Industry Objections to Chlorpyrifos Rules

The Rundown The EPA rejects industry objections to its restrictions on the pesticide chlorpyrifos. The Interior Department allocates $1.7 billion this year for tribal water rights settlements. The Bureau of Reclamation tells many farmers in California’s Central Valley not to expect irrigation water from federal canals this year. And lastly, House committees hold hearings on […]

Risky Drinking Water Pathogen Has Outsized Effect on Black Americans

A new analysis shows that rising Legionnaires’ disease cases disproportionately affect Black Americans and people living in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England.

Federal Water Tap, February 21: EPA Watchdog Will Investigate Agency’s Drinking Water Lead Response in Michigan City

The Rundown An EPA watchdog will investigate the agency’s response to drinking water lead contamination in Benton Harbor, Michigan. An EPA local government advisory committee submits recommendations to the agency for carrying out infrastructure investments. The CDC analyzes trends in the rising number of Legionnaires’ disease The EPA revises its methods for assessing the cost […]

Billions Flow to Water Systems from Federal Pandemic Relief Funds

Passed nearly a year ago, the American Rescue Plan Act is injecting needed funding into aging water and sewer infrastructure

Federal Water Tap, February 14: Budget Proposal Adds $403 Million for Oahu Drinking Water

The Rundown A budget proposal to keep the government operating includes millions to respond to a fuel leak from an Oahu naval base that contaminated drinking water. The Defense Department appeals a Hawaii state order to drain the fuel tanks at the center of the Oahu drinking water incident. Bipartisan legislation in Congress would update […]

Nebraska Agrochemical Contamination Throws Families, Communities, Water Providers into Turmoil

The harrowing trail of toxic nutrients in farm country water

Federal Water Tap, February 7: White House Publishes Infrastructure ‘Guidebook’

The Rundown The White House creates an outline for states, tribes, and local governments to understand new infrastructure funding. The Federal Maritime Commission seeks more information on how Canadian ballast water rules might affect Great Lakes ships. The GAO says the agency that oversees federal prisons should do more to ensure its facilities are prepared […]

Is Agrochemical Contamination Killing Nebraska’s Children?

The harrowing trail of toxic nutrients in farm country water