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, August 17: Colorado River Forecast Triggers Small Cuts for 2021

August 17, 2020/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico must make small cuts in Colorado River water use next year, according to the Bureau of Reclamation’s forecast. The Energy Department proposes to loosen showerhead efficiency standards. U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials are concerned that groundwater pumping for the Trump administration’s border wall will harm endangered species in southern […]

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

After More Than Two Decades, Landmark New York City Watershed Protection Plan Is Working

August 13, 2020/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

An expert panel says investments to prevent pollution have been a success, but face new challenges.

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

Utilities Ordered To Forgive Customer Water Debt

August 12, 2020/in United States, Water News, Water Policy & Politics, Water Rights/Access, WEF/by Brett Walton

Three cities are promoting the idea of water debt forgiveness.

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 10: EPA Settles Gold King Mine Lawsuit with Utah

August 10, 2020/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The EPA pledges funds to clean up abandoned mines in Colorado. The GAO suggests that Congress fund a climate migration pilot program. California Democrats introduce a bill to clean up sewage pollution in rivers that cross the California-Mexico border. A separate House bill would provide financial aid to rural water utilities affected by […]

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

No Running Water for Days Following Isaias Power Outages

August 6, 2020/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Tropical Storm Isaias cut power to more than 2 million customers in the Northeast when it passed through the region on Tuesday. For those with wells and no backup generators, the loss of electricity delivered a double blow: no running water either.

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

Nine Things To Know About Household Water Debt

August 6, 2020/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

Circle of Blue has compiled nine things you need to know about water debt in the United States.

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

Millions of Americans Are In Water Debt

August 4, 2020/in Water Management, Water News, Water Policy & Politics, Water Pricing, WEF/by Brett Walton

Most Americans give little thought to water bills, paying them on time and in full. But for a subset of homeowners and renters, water debt is constant and menacing.

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 3: Senate Republicans’ Next Coronavirus Package Does Not Include Water Bill Aid

August 3, 2020/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Senate Republicans added energy bill assistance to their coronavirus response, but not water bill aid. Senate Democrats introduced legislation to suspend water shutoffs and provide water bill aid. A separate bill addresses environmental justice concerns regarding Clean Water Act permitting. The House passes a water infrastructure package. Paradise Irrigation District receives a FEMA […]

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 27: Pebble Mine Clears a Hurdle

July 27, 2020/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The Army Corps publishes its environmental review of the highly contested Alaskan mine. Senate Democratic staff detail the status of utility shutoff policies during the pandemic. FERC proposes revisions to dam safety regulations. EPA inspector general’s report says that integrating environmental justice into the agency’s work is a top management challenge. A large […]

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 20: Infrastructure! Infrastructure! Social Cost of Carbon Revision!

July 20, 2020/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown A House Committee advances a water infrastructure bill, while the Trump administration cuts down the federal environmental review process. The EPA finalizes a rule restricting state water quality reviews under the Clean Water Act. NOAA report finds more high-tide flooding on the coasts. The EPA announces funding for a low-interest water infrastructure loan […]

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

Phoenix Tests Water Shutoff Alternative

July 15, 2020/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

Before the pandemic, the Phoenix had started installing a device that severely limits water flow into homes that are behind on bills. Other utilities are interested.

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 13: Hundreds of Facilities Invoke EPA Pandemic Rule for Water Pollution Monitoring

July 13, 2020/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The EPA releases the number of facilities taking advantage of a rule that allows them not to monitor water pollution discharges during the pandemic. The House Appropriations Committee approves a slight increase in the EPA 2021 budget. Kamala Harris introduces a water infrastructure bill in the Senate. The EPA proposes deleting 671 properties […]

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