#16 - Water Equity in Southern California
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
Release Date: 11/21/2023
#28 - The Hard Truths of California Water
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
Join Southern California Water Coalition Executive Director Charley Wilson for a no-holds-barred conversation with Califonria Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth about California's water future. This isn't your typical policy discussion—it's a wake-up call. What You'll Discover: • California faces a 9 million acre-feet water shortage by 2040 • Why snowpack is peaking in February instead of April (and what it means) • The impossible math behind desalination solutions • How atmospheric rivers kept a water director awake at night • Why we would need a...
info_outline
#27 - Is Your Tap Water Too Cheap?
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
Join host Charley Wilson, Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition, for a candid conversation with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. and new General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh. Recorded live in January 2026 at Santa Anita Park before 300 water, business, and community leaders, this compelling discussion tackles the future of Southern California's water supply. Key topics include: • Planning for the next century of water reliability • The true cost of aging infrastructure • Preparing for climate whiplash on the...
info_outline
#26 - L.A. is Banking on Recycled Water
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
In the heart of the San Fernando Valley lies a surprising contrast: a serene, beautiful Japanese garden sits right next to a massive, industrial water treatment plant. The twist? The water that keeps the garden lush comes from the plant, and the water that goes into the plant comes from the homes of millions of Angelenos. For a century, Southern California has relied on a vital system of imported water brought from hundreds of miles away. But as climate change puts new pressure on those traditional sources, Los Angeles is making a multi-billion-dollar bet on a new, drought-proof local supply:...
info_outline
#25 - Cap-and-Trade: Funding Water Infrastructure for Climate Resilience
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
In this episode of What Matters Water TV and Podcast, host Charley Wilson brings you the full audio from a timely and thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Southern California Water Coalition. As California faces mounting climate challenges, the conversation around reauthorizing the state’s cap-and-trade program beyond 2030 is heating up. This episode dives into the 2025–26 state budget proposal and explores how revenues from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) could be strategically invested in critical water infrastructure to enhance climate resilience across the state. Our...
info_outline
#24 - Why Does It Take So Long to Build a Water Project?
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
California needs water infrastructure urgently. But why does it take decades to build something as essential as a reservoir? In this episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, host Charley Wilson explores the complex, often frustrating world of water project development in California. From environmental reviews to legal red tape, we dig into the reasons why progress moves at a glacial pace—and what’s being done to change that. Charley is joined by three powerhouse guests: Jennifer Hernandez, a seasoned land use and environmental attorney with Holland & Knight, who...
info_outline
#23 - How Wildfires Could Rewrite Water Infrastructure
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
Wildfires are changing. Is our water infrastructure ready? California wildfires aren’t just getting more frequent—they’re getting bigger, faster, and more destructive. When the flames rise, water is our most powerful firefighting tool. But can our water systems handle the demand? In this episode of What Matters Water TV & Podcast, we dive into the critical connection between wildfires and water. How do massive fires impact water quality? Are our water systems built to withstand both drought and high fire demand? And what lessons can we learn from past disasters? Join us as we hear...
info_outline
#22 - California's New Water Restrictions
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
California’s water rules are changing—permanently. Starting January 1, 2025, new regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board will require major water suppliers to cut water delivery significantly by 2040. This isn’t just about managing water during droughts anymore—this is about building drought resilience into everyday life. Water agencies across the state will now have to develop community-specific water budgets that account for residential, commercial, and landscape use. The measures include limiting outdoor watering, encouraging water-efficient appliances, and...
info_outline
#21 - All About the Delta Conveyance Project
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
Imagine a future where California faces increasing water instability. The state experiences more rain, less snow, and an uptick in extreme weather events like droughts and floods. Layer in the looming threats of sea level rise, climate change, and seismic activity, and the picture becomes even more complex. Now, consider a solution designed to tackle these challenges head-on—the Delta Conveyance Project. This ambitious, multi-billion-dollar initiative aims to enhance water reliability for 27 million Californians by modernizing the water transport infrastructure within the Sacramento-San...
info_outline
#20 - Our Favorite Moments
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
In this very special episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, we dive into the production team's favorite moments from the first 19 episodes. Join us as we revisit the cutting-edge water innovations that amazed us, tackle the urgent challenges of climate change affecting our water policies, and share the personal stories of the dedicated people ensuring that water flows from our taps. Meredith Yinger, the producer of What Matters Water TV + Podcast through SheTV, steps in as host for this episode. Charley Wilson, normally the voice guiding us through each episode, joins as a guest alongside...
info_outline
#19 - Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio
What Matters Water TV and Podcast
Get to know Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio from California’s 48th District and listen along while she and host Charley Wilson delve into a profound conversation that unpacks the complexities of water management and policy in California. The dialogue also gets personal, as the assemblywoman shares her personal story, from her roots in Mexico, her family’s journey to citizenship, her struggle to learn English and overcome stereotypes. Learn how she has become a powerful voice in California politics, and how her experiences shape her approach to governance and advocacy. Assemblywoman Rubio's...
info_outlineIn this episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of equity, access, and affordability in Southern California’s drinking water. Hosted by Charley Wilson, we’re joined by three remarkable guests who are at the forefront of this conversation. Martin Ludlow, a champion of water justice and founder of Groundswell for Water, Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, a city leader advocating for underserved communities, and Anatole Falagan, a seasoned utilities expert and assistant general manager at Long Beach Utilities, share their insights and expertise.
Together, we explore the challenges and solutions in ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water. From engaging communities to navigating governance, we delve into the complexities of this vital issue. Join us on this journey to make California’s “Human Right to Water” a reality, and discover how we can work towards a future with equitable, accessible, and affordable water for all in Southern California.
Whether you’re a seasoned water advocate or new to the discussion, our podcast provides a platform to navigate the depths of water equity, inclusion, and affordability. Dive in and join the conversation for positive change!