Southern California Water Coalition

#30 – The Colorado River Reckoning

SCWC Staff — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:29:17 +0000

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.

The post #30 – The Colorado River Reckoning appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

SCWC Summer Quarterly Meeting to be Held on July 31, 2026

SCWC Staff — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:26:34 +0000

Join us on Friday, July 31, 2026 for our Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon. This regular gathering draws more than 200 leaders from the sectors of water, government, business, agriculture and nonprofit organizations to share information, network and hear from expert speakers on current water issues affecting Southern California.

The Q3 2026 gathering will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Orchard Conference Center on the California State University, Northridge campus, located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, California.

Ticket sales are open until Friday, July 24, 2026. Individual tickets cost $150. Sponsorships are available for $2,500 and include ten seats at the luncheon.

Summer casual attire is recommended.

RSVP today to reserve your place: https://secure.anedot.com/southern-california-water-coalition/scwcjuly31quarterlylunch

The post SCWC Summer Quarterly Meeting to be Held on July 31, 2026 appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

SCWC Video Project Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water Earns Multiple Telly Awards

SCWC Staff — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:27:37 +0000

A major video project launched by the Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) in March—Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water—has earned multiple honors at the prestigious Telly Awards through its production partner, Epipheo.

The four-minute animated film, created by Epipheo Studio, was developed as a cornerstone of SCWC’s recent communications campaign to advance understanding of water recycling and purification in California.

The Telly Awards recognize excellence in video and television across all screens, celebrating standout work from organizations, agencies, and creators worldwide. This recognition places Renewed among the most impactful and innovative storytelling efforts in today’s media landscape.

SCWC’s video, produced by Epipheo, received top recognition in several highly competitive categories:

Gold Telly Awards
- Animated Marketing & Communication – Nonprofit
- Animated Marketing & Communication – Sustainability & Environment
- Animated Marketing & Communication – Art Direction
- Animated Marketing & Communication – 3D/CG Animation
Silver Telly Award
- Animated Marketing & Communication – Writing

These honors reflect both the creative excellence of Epipheo’s work and SCWC’s leadership in shaping clear, compelling messaging around California’s water future.

A Major March Launch

Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water was officially launched in March as part of a broad, multi-platform campaign that included digital advertising, social media content, and partnerships with content creators.

The campaign introduced audiences to the concept of advanced water purification by illustrating how technology accelerates the Earth’s natural water cycle—transforming wastewater into a pure, safe, and reliable drinking water source.

Supporting materials included bilingual video assets, social media toolkits, landing pages, and a coordinated outreach effort designed to engage both stakeholders and the general public.

Watch the Video in English and Spanish

Viewers can find Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water on YouTube as well as on the Southern California Water Coalition website.

Watch the video:

Expanding Reach and Engagement

The campaign reached wide audiences across multiple platforms, helping introduce water recycling concepts to new and diverse audiences—particularly those interested in science, sustainability, and innovation.

Collaborations with content creators and partner organizations further extended the video’s reach and visibility, reinforcing the importance of accessible, engaging communication around complex water issues.

A Powerful Partnership

The project brought together water experts and storytelling experts to deliver a unified message. SCWC and its partners collaborated closely with the creative team at Epipheo to translate technical subject matter into a compelling and visually engaging narrative.

The video was made possible through generous support from a broad coalition of water agencies, organizations, and industry leaders, including:

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), HDR, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Parsons, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD), WateReuse Association, Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD), Black & Veatch, California WateReuse, and Carollo.

The post SCWC Video Project Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water Earns Multiple Telly Awards appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

#29 – The Power of Water Storytelling

SCWC Staff — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:47:57 +0000

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 engineering to storytelling.

Hosted by Charley Wilson, we sit down with three innovative content creators who partnered with the Southern California Water Coalition to help reframe how we talk about water: filmmaker Moses Aubrey, science communicator Maynard Okereke, and science and engineering communications specialist Erin Winick Anthony. Together, they bring fresh perspective to a complex issue—using visual storytelling, Earth’s natural beauty, and even space exploration as inspiration to help audiences see water reuse in a new light.

Through this dynamic discussion, we examine:

Why storytelling is essential to advancing water policy
How creative voices can bridge the gap between science and public understanding
What it takes to transform hesitation into confidence when it comes to recycled water

At SCWC, we understand that solving California’s water challenges isn’t just about innovation—it’s about communication. When communities feel informed and inspired, they are empowered to support smart, sustainable solutions.

This episode is a powerful reminder: the future of water depends not only on the solutions we build, but on the stories we tell.

Watch, listen, and join the conversation—because what matters most is how we shape the future of water, together.

The post #29 – The Power of Water Storytelling appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

#28 – The Hard Truths of California Water

SCWC Staff — Tue, 05 May 2026 19:18:21 +0000

Join Southern California Water Coalition Executive Director Charley Wilson’s eye-opening conversation with California Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth as she reveals California’s stark water reality: 9 million acre-feet short by 2040, snowpack peaking in February, and why desalination alone can’t save us.

In this candid 50-minute discussion, Director Nemeth doesn’t hold back about the “hard realities” facing California’s water future. From atmospheric rivers that kept her awake worrying about levee failures to the impossible math of replacing the State Water Project (hint: it would require a Carlsbad-sized desalination plant every four miles along the coast), this conversation cuts through the politics to reveal what’s really at stake.

Nemeth explains why California’s snowpack peaked in February instead of April this year and what that shift means for our long-term water security. She discusses the critical importance of underground storage in depleted aquifers, the role of the Delta Conveyance Project, and why flexibility must replace finger-pointing between local and state agencies. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that these challenges aren’t future problems to plan for—they’re happening right now, requiring immediate action and uncomfortable conversations about cost, value, and priorities.

“We are going to have to get comfortable with the uncertainty,” Nemeth warns. “I think we know enough to move forward and faster than what we’re able to do right now.” Her final one-word prediction for California’s water future might surprise you.

The post #28 – The Hard Truths of California Water appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

SCWC Returns to Temecula for May 15 Quarterly Luncheon

SCWC Staff — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Spend a beautiful spring day with hundreds of Southern California water and community leaders at Southern California Water Coalition’s May 2026 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon. For the fifth year in a row, we return to the picturesque Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula for our board meeting followed by a Quarterly Luncheon of delicious food, epic networking, and a thought-provoking program. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

View the event flyer at this link: https://socalwater.org/wp-content/uploads/SCWC-Q2-Luncheon_Flyer_V3-1.pdf

The luncheon topic is “The Colorado River Reckoning: Hard truths and critical choices facing the river–and the consequences if solutions fall short.” Speakers are:

Chuck Cullom, Executive Director, Upper Colorado River Commission
Bill Hasencamp, Manager of Colorado River Resources, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Vineetha Kartha, Colorado River Programs Manager, Central Arizona Project
Bart Leeflang, Assistant General Manager, Central Utah Water Conservancy District

Special thanks to our amazing luncheon sponsors: Eastern Municipal Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Kiewit, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Municipal Water District of Orange County, and Western Municipal Water District.

Our events and programming would not be possible without our founding sponsors: County of San Bernardino, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Irvine Ranch Water District, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, and West Basin Municipal Water District.

Buy tickets and sponsorships now at this link: https://secure.anedot.com/southern-california-water-coalition/scwcmay15quarterlymeeting

The post SCWC Returns to Temecula for May 15 Quarterly Luncheon appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Southern California Water Coalition Launches Advanced Purification Video

SCWC Staff — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:01:13 +0000

The Southern California Water Coalition has teamed up with a top video production agency to produce an informative video that examines how water is purified for reuse. This collaboration has now earned multiple honors at the prestigious 2026 Telly Awards through its production partner, Epipheo. While our organization’s focus is on solutions taking place in Southern California, the science and approaches highlighted in this video are relevant to communities everywhere facing drought, climate extremes, or growing demand for safe, reliable drinking water.

Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water is a short and informative animated video that tells the story of how communities are safeguarding a reliable, affordable water future by using advanced purification that meets or exceeds drinking water standards. The multi-barrier approach shown and paired with continuous monitoring reflects best practices used around the world and can be tailored to local regulations and infrastructure.

Visit our webpage “How Wastewater Becomes Drinking Water: Direct Potable Reuse Explained“
Watch the video on YouTube
Ver las versiones en español

In this video, we find out how communities like Southern California are investing in advanced purification to create a reliable source of drinking water that meets or exceeds all standards. Viewers learn more about the multi-barrier process and the continuous monitoring that ensures high quality. As state and local leaders look for ways to help us cope with extreme droughts and floods, rising temperatures, depleted groundwater basins and more, using more recycled water just makes sense. The same drivers and solutions apply well beyond Southern California, making the video a useful primer for any community exploring potable reuse as part of a resilient water supply.

We invite water agencies, educators, community groups, and media everywhere to watch, share, and embed the video as a plain‑language explainer of how advanced purification turns recycled water into safe, great‑tasting drinking water. If you’re outside Southern California, consider pairing the video with your local project details and regulatory context to help audiences connect the dots.

The video was made possible through generous funding provided by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), HDR, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Parsons, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD), WateReuse Association, Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD), Black & Veatch, California WateReuse, and Carollo. The water experts teamed up with the video and storytelling experts at Epipheo to produce the video.

The post Southern California Water Coalition Launches Advanced Purification Video appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Expanding the Coalition in Support of AB 2215

SCWC Staff — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:38:53 +0000

The Southern California Water Coalition is urging our members and broader network to support AB 2215 (Calderon), an important measure that addresses a critical statewide water policy issue tied to the long‑term reliability and affordability of the State Water Project (SWP).

AB 2215 would extend the timeline for the full development of the SWP’s existing water rights permits to December 31, 2085, aligning those permits with the term of the validated contracts between the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and SWP public water agencies. This extension is necessary due to longstanding delays outside of DWR’s control and will allow the state to better plan, modernize infrastructure, and respond to climate extremes such as droughts and floods.

Importantly, AB 2215 does not approve any new projects, facilities, or operational changes, nor does it bypass CEQA, NEPA, ESA, CESA, or any other environmental or public participation requirements. The bill also explicitly does not approve the Delta Conveyance Project or any other future modification of the SWP.

A broad and growing coalition of water agencies, business organizations, labor, agriculture, and community stakeholders has already gone on record in support of AB 2215. With the bill tentatively scheduled for an April 14 hearing in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, it is critical to continue building momentum and expanding the coalition in the weeks ahead.

AB 2215 is about protecting prior investments, ensuring regulatory certainty, and safeguarding water reliability and affordability for 27 million Californians who depend on the State Water Project.

Read the letter HERE.

The post Expanding the Coalition in Support of AB 2215 appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Southern California Water Coalition lanza un video de purificación avanzada

SCWC Staff — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:59:05 +0000

La Coalición del Agua del Sur de California (SCWC, por sus siglas en inglés) se ha asociado con una importante agencia de producción de videos para producir un nuevo video informativo que explica cómo se purifica el agua para su reutilización. Aunque nuestra organización se enfoca en soluciones que se están implementamdo en el sur de California, la ciencia y las soluciones de este video son relevantes para las comunidades de todo el mundo que enfrentan sequías, fenómenos climáticos extremos o una creciente demanda de agua potable segura y confiable.

“Renovado: El camino hacia el agua potable segura” (Titulo en ingles: “Renewed: The Journey to Safe Drinking Water”) es un video animado, breve e informativo, que cuenta cómo las comunidades están protegiendo un futuro de agua confiable y asequible mediante el uso de purificación avanzada que cumple o supera los estándares de agua potable. El enfoque múltiples barreras que se presenta, junto con el monitoreo continuo, refleja las mejores prácticas utilizadas en todo el mundo y puede adaptarse a las regulaciones y a la infraestructura local.

Visita nuestra página web “Como las aquas residuals se converter en ague potable“
Mira el vídeo en YouTube
View the English version

En este video, descubrimos cómo comunidades como las del sur de California están invirtiendo en purificación avanzada para crear una fuente confiable de agua potable que cumple o supera todos los estándares. Los espectadores aprenderan mejor el proceso múltiples barreras y el monitoreo continuo que garantiza una alta calidad de agua. Nuestros líderes estatales y locales buscan maneras de ayudarnos a afrontar sequías e inundaciones extremas, pero el aumento de las temperaturas, el agotamiento de las cuencas subterráneas y otros problemas, representan un desafío. Usar más agua reciclada cobra sentido. Estos mismos factores y soluciones van mucho más allá del sur de California, lo que convierte al video en una introducción útil para cualquier comunidad que esté explorando la reutilización potable como parte de un suministro de agua resiliente.

Invitamos a agencias de agua, educadores, grupos comunitarios y medios de comunicación de todo el mundo a ver, compartir e integrar el video como una explicación clara y sencilla de cómo la purificación avanzada convierte el agua reciclada en agua potable segura y de buen sabor. Si se encuentra fuera del sur de California, considere acompañar el video con información sobre su proyecto local y el contexto regulatorio para ayudar al público a conectar las ideas principales.

El video fue posible gracias al generoso financiamiento del Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Eastern Municipal Water District, HDR, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Parsons, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, WateReuse Association, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District, Black & Veatch, California WateReuse, and Carollo Engineers. Los expertos en agua colaboraron con los expertos en video y narrativa de Epipheo para producir el video.

The post Southern California Water Coalition lanza un video de purificación avanzada appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

#27 – Is Your Tap Water Too Cheap?

SCWC Staff — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 01:40:10 +0000

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.

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