What Matters Water TV and Podcast

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...

The Colorado River is one of the most important rivers in the United States. It has been in the news a lot lately because of the drought and how it's affecting people and businesses that count on it for drinking water. This episode features an important panel discussion on the collaborative approach to Colorado River management being taken by California water, tribal and community leaders. Guests...

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was founded in 1928 under an act of the California Legislature to build and operate the Colorado River Aqueduct. Today Metropolitan  delivers water from the Colorado River and Northern California to its 26 member water agencies that serve 19 million people in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. Metro...

In this episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, we talk to experts about how Sites Reservoir in the Sacramento Valley is the future of water storage in California and why it is so crucial for our entire state, especially as we face a severe water crisis with the historic drought. There have been many discussions about Sites Reservoir and its potential to help us store more water for when it's...

See how unusual career paths and a willingness to take risks led these four women to lead California water agencies and boards.  Our sixth episode features a roundtable discussion with four women who have made crucial contributions to achieving sustainability. They are leaders, collaborative peers and experts who contribute with leadership skills and as mentors for other women. Their reflections o...

Learn about two women who have done amazing things for the environment and water issues in our state. They've broken barriers and achieved tremendous results – and their work will undoubtedly have an effect on Californians for generations to come. Martha Guzman was appointed by President Biden as the first Latina to lead the Environmental Protection Agency for the Pacific Southwest. She is longtim...

Hear from two California legislators who are fighting climate change impacts by pushing for laws and policies about water and energy that will affect Californians for years to come. We will discuss how they hope to empower everyday people like us to make significant changes in how we use natural resources while protecting the environment. There's a lot of work to be done, and Senator Henry Stern a...

Join the panel discussion on water. Ellen Hanak, Newsha Ajami and Faith Kearns discuss water issues across California.   In this episode of the What Matters Water TV + Podcast we talk with three women who are working for water supply resiliency for our state. We chat about what it's like to be an advocate for water equity in California, efforts to improve affordable and reliable drinking water for...

Hear how the State of California is coping with the current severe drought and impacts of climate change from two of its top leaders: E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board and Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources. This candid and informative conversation also includes discussion of personal leadership style, how big data is helping...

Adel Hagekhalil is the general manager of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the largest water wholesaler in the United States serving more than 19 million Californians. Tune in to hear how he is thinking differently about water, the lessons he learned when things went wrong, and for fun, how his cooking style and leadership style match up.  A national water and infrastructure lea...