There’s a river that 40 million people depend on—one that built cities, powered economies, and made life possible across the American West. Today, that river is under unprecedented pressure.
In this episode of What Matters Water TV and Podcast, we take you inside a critical conversation from the Southern California Water Coalition’s May 15, 2026 Quarterly Luncheon at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. Bringing together some of the most influential voices in Western water policy, this discussion explores the realities, risks, and difficult choices shaping the future of the Colorado River.
Titled “The Colorado River Reckoning,” the conversation captures a moment of urgency as prolonged drought, competing demands, and high-stakes negotiations push the system to its limits. These are the experts working in real time—where decisions are made, tradeoffs are negotiated, and the future of the region is being defined.
You’ll hear insights from:
- Chuck Cullom, Executive Director of the Upper Colorado River Commission, offering a multi-state perspective from the Upper Basin
- Vineetha Kartha, Colorado River Programs Manager for the Central Arizona Project, sharing the impact on one of the river’s largest users
- Bart Leeflang, Assistant General Manager of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, speaking to growth and water demands in the Upper Basin
- Bill Hasencamp, Manager of Colorado River Resources at Metropolitan Water District, connecting the conversation to Southern California communities and economies
Together, they paint a clear picture of a system under strain—and what’s at stake if solutions fall short.
Whether you work in water, follow public policy, or simply expect water to flow when you turn on the tap, this is a conversation you can’t ignore.