Join host Charley Wilson, Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition, for a candid conversation with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. and new General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh. Recorded live 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 Colorado River
- Why major projects aren’t the biggest drivers of water bills
- Balancing affordability with necessary investments
Can Metropolitan invest enough to maintain system reliability while keeping water affordable and trusted? Tune in to hear water leaders address this critical question.
The Southern California Water Coalition educates to advocate. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the solution.
If you like this episode, you may also enjoy What Matters Water TV + Podcast Episode 24, titled Why Does It Take So Long to Build a Water Project, or Episode #8, titled What’s Next for Metropolitan Water District. You can also view photos from the January 23, 2026 luncheon on Flickr HERE, or read our blog post HERE.