What Matters Water TV and Podcast

40 million people rely on the Colorado River—and it's under more pressure than ever. In this episode of What Matters Water TV and Podcast, we bring you a powerful conversation from the Southern California Water Coalition's May 15, 2026 Quarterly Luncheon in Temecula, where leading water experts tackle one of the West's most urgent challenges: the future of the Colorado River. Featuring perspective...

In Episode 29 of What Matters Water TV and Podcast , we explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood—innovations in water sustainability: advanced water purification and reuse. While the science behind turning recycled water into safe, high-quality drinking water is proven, public perception remains one of the biggest barriers to progress. This episode shifts the conversation from eng...

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 i...

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 Souther...

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...

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 propos...

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—an...

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. H...

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 c...

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 P...

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...

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 E...

Get to know "What Matters Water TV + Podcast" in two minutes or less in our new podcast trailer designed to tell you what we're all about! 💧🎥 This isn't your average water cooler chat! Get ready for a cascade of engaging conversations, cutting-edge innovations, and vital insights that fuel the Southern California water community and our commitment to this life-sustaining resource. Whether you're...

Get to know "What Matters Water TV + Podcast" in two minutes or less in our new podcast trailer video designed to show you what we're all about! 💧🎥 This isn't your average water cooler chat! Get ready for a cascade of engaging conversations, cutting-edge innovations, and vital insights that fuel the Southern California water community and our commitment to this life-sustaining resource. Whether...

Picture a world where wastewater transforms into drinking water like a fairytale glass slipper. California's water regulator is leading the charge towards a future where purified wastewater becomes clean, delicious drinking water for all. But people have questions about how advanced water purification will work, and we're here to get some answers from the people who are turning wastewater into won...

Welcome to another insightful episode of "What Matters Water TV + Podcast"! In this eye-opening discussion, we dive into the world of water management in California and the power of collaboration with special guests Heather Dyer and Betsy Miller. These two remarkable women, both general managers and biologists, share their experiences working together in San Bernardino Valley to achieve groundbrea...

Introducing "What Matters Water TV + Podcast," your essential destination for all things water in California. In this groundbreaking series, we dive deep into the pivotal conversations and innovations that are shaping the future of water management in the Golden State. Join us as we sit down with some of California's top water leaders, including Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager of the Metropolitan...

Introducing "What Matters Water TV + Podcast," your essential destination for all things water in California. In this groundbreaking series, we dive deep into the pivotal conversations and innovations that are shaping the future of water management in the Golden State. Join us as we sit down with some of California's top water leaders, including Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager of the Metropolitan...

In 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...

Get ready to explore the cutting-edge world of desalination and uncover the future of water supply in Southern California! Join us as we dive headfirst into this technology with four distinguished guests from San Diego County Water Authority, Eastern Municipal Water District, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and South Coast Water District. Learn how these projects work, their impact on Califo...

Are you curious to learn more about how Infrastructure L.A. will affect Los Angeles's water landscape?  In this episode of SCWC, we are joined by three esteemed experts from Los Angeles County Public Works and the LA Department of Water and Power. They'll provide cutting-edge insights into the implications of this ambitious undertaking for water supply management and beyond—don't miss it!  Joining...

California's water supply is being tested by volatile weather patterns, including droughts and extreme rainfall. To prepare for a future with less snow and more dry spells, the state must diversify its water sources, modernize its water infrastructure, and improve watershed collaboration.    The stakes are high. Experts say we could lose 10% of our water supply in the next 20 years due to climate...

Would you like to know some fascinating facts about water? Then you won't want to miss this - in episode #12 our host Charley Wilson talks with renowned climatologist and hydrologist, Peter Gleick, author of the new book The Three Ages of Water. Water, to paraphrase Dr. Gleick, is special. It's a basic natural resource that we depend on as much as our ancestors did, but it's also a part of our bio...

Wherever you live in California, cultivating a secure and abundant water future is a goal we can all support. But taking the necessary steps to get there can be hard to do. Especially as we watch our state whipsaw through weather extremes. In just twelve months the state has gone from a historic and severe drought to above average rainfall and snow. Many people are asking, is the drought over? It'...

Calls for conservation have been a constant drumbeat in California over the years, but the past year has brought even greater pressure on residents to do more. For many, though, that's easier said than done. Busy lives, work and family commitments and budget restrictions can be a major obstacle for struggling families. And others just have no idea where to start. Enter Long Beach Utilities. For ye...