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Follow the Water: Water Rights 101

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

Release Date: 11/06/2025

Follow the Water: The Project That Might Have Solved It All show art Follow the Water: The Project That Might Have Solved It All

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

What if Tehachapi once had a path to true water independence? In this episode of Follow the Water, we uncover the story of the IPR project—a long-planned, state-approved solution that promised stability and sustainability for Tehachapi's water.  Former Development Services Director Jay Schlosser walks us through how the project worked, why it mattered, and how political gridlock and shifting decisions ultimately stopped it in its tracks. Narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director. Written, produced, and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist. Featuring...

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Follow the Water: Who Provides the Water? show art Follow the Water: Who Provides the Water?

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

In this episode of "Follow the Water," we highlight your local water provider, and if you live in Tehachapi proper, that's the City of Tehachapi's Water Department. Join us as Public Works Director Tyler Napier explains how the department maintains the city’s water infrastructure, manages conservation efforts, and upholds its commitment to responsible water stewardship. You’ll also hear from JR Aguirre, Water Division Supervisor, on the hands-on work that keeps our community’s most essential resource moving. Narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director. Written, produced, and...

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Follow the Water: Water Rights 101 show art Follow the Water: Water Rights 101

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

Have you ever wondered who owns the water that comes out of your tap? In this episode of "Follow the Water," we're breaking down important terms you'll need to know as we continue our story. We explain what exactly an "acre-foot" is, what water rights are, and the complicated nature of water banking.  For more information about Tehachapi’s water, visit:  This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Tehachapi. Information and interviews...

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Follow the Water: Who is the Water Monitor? show art Follow the Water: Who is the Water Monitor?

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

In this episode of Follow the Water, we explore who manages the region's water. We'll learn about the adjudication of the basins, what a "watermaster" is, and explain TCCWD's ad valorem tax.  For more information about Tehachapi’s water, visit:  This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Tehachapi. Information and interviews are provided by Jon Hammond, local historian and journalist, Don Marsh, Development...

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Follow the Water: Where Does our Water Come From? show art Follow the Water: Where Does our Water Come From?

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

In the first episode of our series, “Follow the Water,” we explore the details and processes behind where your water comes from. This episode focuses on helping you understand three key concepts: - What native water is - What State Water Project (SWP) water is - The difference between Municipal & Industrial (M&I) and agricultural uses of SWP water For more information about Tehachapi’s water, visit:  This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited...

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Follow the Water: Series Trailer show art Follow the Water: Series Trailer

Follow the Water: A TehachaPod Series

Water sustains Tehachapi — but behind every faucet lies a deeper story. Follow the Water explores the City’s dispute with TCCWD, uncovering how outside decisions impact local residents, agriculture, and our shared future. Get the facts. Hear the voices. Decide for yourself. Stay tuned for the podcast series -- coming soon! Learn more at:  Questions? Email us: media@tehachapicityhall.com

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More Episodes

Have you ever wondered who owns the water that comes out of your tap? In this episode of "Follow the Water," we're breaking down important terms you'll need to know as we continue our story. We explain what exactly an "acre-foot" is, what water rights are, and the complicated nature of water banking. 

For more information about Tehachapi’s water, visit: https://liveuptehachapi.com/553/Tehachapis-Water

This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Tehachapi.

Information and interviews are provided by Don Marsh, Development Services Director for the City of Tehachapi and the California Department of Water Resources.