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.

The post #27 – Is Your Tap Water Too Cheap? appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Highlights at a glance:

• Coalition and policy impact: Built bipartisan champions for Delta Conveyance permit streamlining; helped restore funding for Healthy Rivers & Landscapes; supported protections against invasive golden mussels; kept Proposition 4 water-resilience allocations moving. Testified before the State Water Board and coordinated input with State Water Resources Control Board and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to balance public health protection with practicality and affordability for small and disadvantaged communities.
• Delta outreach: Organized 50+ Capitol meetings, a June 11 advocacy day, a 200+ organization coalition letter, and a 32‑member bipartisan legislator sign‑on—laying the foundation for action in 2026.
• Communications: Expanded California Water Magazine from IE/OC (864,000 circulation) to Ventura/Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley (3.4 million reach). What Matters Water TV & Podcast surpassed 135,000 cumulative viewers/listeners. Published timely commentary and rapid‑response statements that kept facts front and center.
• Community and organization: Convened regional forums and our Annual Dinner in Newport Beach; closed the year ahead of plan with strong reserves and a growing membership.

Consensus into Action is how we lead—facts, partnerships, and solutions aligned to deliver results. Read the full report, share it, and join us in securing a reliable, affordable, and sustainable water future for Southern California.

The post Consensus into Action: Introducing SCWC’s 2025 Annual Report appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

At the Southern California Water Coalition, we agree that Californians across the political spectrum are feeling frustration with ideology that talks past real-world problems and a growing demand for government that simply works. The political center isn’t apathetic — it’s impatient. The silent majority isn’t disengaged because they don’t care; they’re disengaged because caring hasn’t produced results.

What energizes them is competence, predictability, and outcomes that improve daily life.

Water policy illustrates this better than almost any issue. For far too long, California has been trapped in process-heavy debates that reward delay, litigation, and obstruction, even as droughts, floods, and aging infrastructure intensify. Yet when voters are asked to support practical, results-oriented solutions — building new water storage, expanding water recycling, modernizing conveyance, repairing levees, or strengthening regional supply reliability — they respond across party and regional lines. A Central Valley grower, a Southern California homeowner, and an urban renter may disagree on many policies, but they all expect safe, affordable, and reliable water when they turn on the tap.

Californians have repeatedly demonstrated this pragmatism by approving multi-billion-dollar water bond measures with the expectation that those funds would deliver real infrastructure and real reliability. All too often, however, voters have watched those dollars be consumed by process — layers of planning, evaluations, environmental reviews, and studies — while promised facilities are delayed, downsized, or never built at all. That failure fuels public frustration and reinforces the sense that the system is better at pandering than producing water.

Make no mistake, a quiet rebellion is taking shape: a broad coalition is on the rise demanding systems that function and leaders who can deliver. In water, as in housing and energy, this is not about left versus right. It’s about results over rhetoric — and the growing resolve of Californians who are ready to hold government accountable at all levels for results.

The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.

The post Results Over Rhetoric: A Quiet Rebellion Is Demanding Action on California Water appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The coalition’s presence at a press event and in one-on-one meetings with legislators highlighted the urgent need to modernize California’s water infrastructure. At the heart of this effort is the State Water Project — a vital system that delivers water to 27 million Californians and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland. The Delta Conveyance Project, identified by the Department of Water Resources as the single most effective climate adaptation strategy for California’s water system, is a key component of this modernization.

Speakers emphasized that the proposed legislation would streamline permitting, confirm funding authority, and reduce costly delays caused by litigation — all while preserving rigorous environmental review and public engagement.

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot underscored the urgency:
“Modernizing this system is not just about climate resilience — it’s about keeping water affordable and accessible for the millions of people who need it most.”

Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor added a compelling call to action:
“California doesn’t need to be in an emergency every time there is a drought. We must follow through with real investments to repair the State Water Project and advance the Delta Conveyance Project.”

Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors, highlighted the foundational role of the State Water Project in California’s economy and environment:
“It must be repaired to avoid water supply disruption,” she said, noting its importance to disadvantaged communities, electric grid reliability, recreation, and flood control.

Jim Wunderman, CEO of the Bay Area Council, urged lawmakers to act to ensure water supply doesn’t hinder the state’s housing goals:
“Housing abundance requires water abundance.”

Tracy Hernandez, CEO of BizFed, emphasized the financial impact of delays:
“It’s time to vote yes on much-needed water infrastructure repairs and reliable water supplies.”

Martin Ludlow of Groundswell, a statewide coalition of civil rights advocates, clergy, civic leaders, labor unions, and housing organizations, spoke to the equity implications:
“By moving the Delta Conveyance Project forward, California is making a commitment to protecting the State Water Project and the communities that rely on this system for their water.”

Mark Mulliner, representing the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, added:
“No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s future than the State Water Project, and the budget trailer bill represents a critical step in protecting it.”

SCWC urges all Californians to engage with their state legislators in support of this initiative.
“Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and advocate for the Delta Conveyance Project,” said SCWC Executive Director and CEO Charley Wilson.
“We need to ensure our voices are heard in the legislature and that we move forward with this critical project.”

The post Uniting for Water Security: Coalition Rallies Behind Delta Conveyance Project at Capitol Press Event appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released its State Water Project Adaptation Strategy—a bold, science-based roadmap to prepare California’s water systems for a future of climate extremes.

Charley Wilson, Executive Director and CEO of the Southern California Water Coalition, issued the following statement on August 19, 2025 in support:

“This isn’t just another report—it’s a wake-up call. The science is clear, the stakes are high, and the time for half-measures is over. The Delta Conveyance Project is the lifeline California needs to survive a future of climate extremes. Every delay puts our communities, our farms, and our economy at risk. Governor Newsom is right to demand action, and the Southern California Water Coalition stands with him in calling for bold, immediate progress.”

With Governor Newsom’s strong endorsement, this plan is a strong call to action for how California prepares for droughts, floods, and a shrinking snowpack. The Southern California Water Coalition urges swift implementation to protect our water future.

The time to act is now—our future depends on it.

📄 Read Governor Gavin Newsom’s news release
📘 Read the full State Water Project Adaptation Strategy

The post Delta Conveyance Project Identified as California’s Top Water Strategy appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Statement from Charley Wilson, Executive Director and CEO, Southern California Water Coalition:

The Southern California Water Coalition applauds the Newsom Administration and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for releasing the Delta Conveyance Project Accountability Action Plan and for establishing a $200 million Community Benefits Program for Delta communities.

This is a critical and timely response to the misleading narratives that opponents of this project have continued to push—narratives designed to delay, confuse, and obfuscate the true purpose and benefits of the Delta Conveyance Project. The facts are clear: this project is essential to securing California’s water future and will serve more than 27 million residents, hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland, and vital industries across our state.

For too long, critics have wrongly claimed that the concerns of Delta communities were being ignored. The Accountability Action Plan decisively refutes those claims. It outlines specific, trackable, and transparent commitments to local communities, demonstrating that the state is listening and taking action to avoid, minimize, or offset project impacts during construction. This includes the creation of an Ombudsman Office, Community Advisory Groups, and a proactive communications strategy—all designed to ensure that community voices are heard and respected throughout the process.

The Community Benefits Program, backed by a $200 million fund, underscores the Administration’s commitment to delivering real, lasting value to the people most affected by construction. This kind of forward-looking leadership ensures that infrastructure progress is balanced with social responsibility.

The Delta Conveyance Project will modernize our water delivery system, improve climate resilience, and better equip the State Water Project to capture and move water during high-flow events—all while strengthening earthquake protection for critical water infrastructure.

Southern California is downstream of the Delta. Our region—and our economy—depend on a reliable, secure water supply. We urge the Legislature to move swiftly to approve the budget trailer bill and empower the state to move this project forward without further unnecessary delay.

The time for action is now. The Delta Conveyance Project is not just a regional concern—it is a statewide imperative.

The post Statement of Support: Delta Conveyance Accountability Plan Is a Win for California’s Water Future appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Forty years of driving change. Four decades of building partnerships. Over 14,600 days of championing Southern California’s water resilient future. In 2024, SCWC celebrated this legacy with impactful events, initiatives, and a sharpened vision for the future.

Our 2024 Annual Report showcases the Southern California Water Coalition’s key accomplishments and milestones. It was a busy year! The capstone of the year was our November Annual Meeting and Dinner, which brought together more than 400 leaders, including Senator Toni G. Atkins and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (recognized in absentia). A video message from Governor Gavin Newsom provided a personalized congratulations to SCWC on its 40th anniversary.

2024 was also a year in which SCWC amplified its role in water policy, supporting the Delta Conveyance Project’s Environmental Impact Report and a benefit-cost analysis demonstrating billions in potential benefits. We advocated for feasibility study funding and spent months educating legislators about the need for $10 billion for water systems, which became Proposition 4. While the bond’s final allocation fell short of SCWC’s recommendations, its voter approval was a step toward resilience.

We emphasized water supply development in a coalition letter to the Assembly Select Committee on Permitting Reform and partnered with Groundswell for Water Justice, joining 400 activists in Sacramento to advocate for equitable water investments. Our luncheons and programs provided vital platforms for tackling key issues.

SCWC’s communications reached new heights. Our What Matters Water TV + Podcast series celebrated its 20th episode, attracting over 30,000 listens and views throughout the year. Contributions to California Water magazine and award-winning collaborations with LADWP and the Water Research Foundation highlighted our leadership in advocacy and storytelling.

This year, we also paused to honor those who shaped our journey. The passing of longtime board member Bob Bein, and former board members Jim Noyes and Jim Blake, reminded us of the profound connections that drive our work.

The Southern California Water Coalition’s 2024 Annual Report is now available for review. We invite all stakeholders and community members to review the comprehensive account of our initiatives, partnerships, and progress. To download the Southern California Water Coalition Annual Report for 2024, click here.

The post SCWC’s 2024 Annual Report appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Imagine your home – the pipes are old, the roof is leaking, and the foundation is cracking. You could walk away, start from scratch, or invest in repairs and upgrades to keep your home livable and valuable. This is the crossroads we face with our water infrastructure in Southern California.

For 40 years, the Southern California Water Coalition has been fighting for a water-resilient future. Today, we’re calling on all Southern Californians to join us in pushing for an “All-of-the-Above” strategy – a powerful combo of modernizing our state’s water system, water recycling, conservation, stormwater capture, and desalination.

Why Delta Conveyance Matters

The State Water Project is the backbone of Southern California’s water supply portfolio. Think of it as the main pipe bringing water to your home. We need to upgrade and invest in this critical infrastructure to keep the water flowing reliably. By doing so, we’ll secure a vital component of our water supply for future generations. The Delta Conveyance Project brings critical updates to this water system depended on by 27 million Californians.

The State Water Project is the MVP of our water infrastructure. It stores water in wet years, supports recycling projects, and enables groundwater recharge. Investing in the State Water Project and Delta Conveyance doesn’t just fix our infrastructure; it supercharges our alternative water strategies.

Right now, we don’t have all the facts to make informed decisions about the Delta Conveyance Project. We need to complete vital studies and evaluations to understand the true costs and benefits. This knowledge will empower our communities to make smart choices about our water resilience future.

Affordability: The Elephant in the Room

Let’s talk money. Enhancing our water supply and keeping it affordable means investing in both the State Water Project and local water supplies. If rate increases are needed to fund these critical studies, we’re all in. Our coalition is committed to keeping Southern Californians informed about the water issues we face and fighting for a reliable, affordable water supply.

Collaboration: Our Secret Weapon

At the Southern California Water Coalition, we believe in the power of “we” over “me.” Litigation isn’t the answer to our water challenges. We’ve spent decades bringing people together, finding common ground, and driving progress. Together, we can tackle any obstacle and secure our water future.

The Time to Act is Now

We’re at a make-or-break moment. We must push forward and invest in completing these crucial studies and evaluations. The next time this issue comes before the MWD Board, they need to have all the information to make informed decisions about our water future.

The post Delta Conveyance: It’s Time for Infrastructure Investment appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins delivered a powerful keynote on California’s water challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure to address climate impacts on water resources. She highlighted Proposition 4’s $3.8 billion allocation for drinking water and drought resilience and stressed the role of science and innovation in managing resources efficiently.  She advocated for modernizing water infrastructure, diversifying water sources, and educating both the public and new legislators on water issues. Finally, she encouraged water leaders to continue lobbying effectively, particularly around large projects like the Delta Conveyance Project, which face high costs and complex stakeholder dynamics.

In his video message, Governor Gavin Newsom congratulated the Southern California Water Coalition on its 40th anniversary, emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in tackling climate-driven water challenges. He highlighted California’s projected 10% water loss by 2040 due to hotter, drier conditions and the increasing volatility of weather patterns. Newsom stressed the importance of proactive solutions like the Delta Conveyance Project, which could capture water to support millions, reinforcing California’s commitment to water resiliency and sustainable management.

Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, Chair of the Southern California Water Coalition, highlighted the importance of water advocacy, emphasizing how the coalition’s efforts in Sacramento benefit cities and counties across Southern California. “It’s been a dream come true to see how, by working together, sharing data, and engaging with leaders, the SCWC brings everything together. That’s what will secure Southern California’s water future,” Mayor Warren said.

Charley Wilson, the Executive Director of the SCWC, expressed his pleasure with the turnout and the milestone achieved by the coalition. “Some of our Board members were already working in water back in 1984. Others weren’t even born yet. This diversity makes me proud because it shows that our coalition continues to grow with the next generation of leaders committed to addressing climate change and other critical water challenges. Water is an issue that affects everyone and every generation,” Wilson said.

The evening also included an award ceremony recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the water sector:

• Harriett Wieder Award: Adán Ortega Jr., Board Chair of the Metropolitan Water District, accepted the Harriett Wieder Award on behalf of Senator Alex Padilla, recognized for his role in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing substantial support for the Pure Water Southern California project—the world’s largest water recycling facility. The Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award honors leaders dedicated to California’s water supply issues, symbolized by a block of wood representing Wieder’s famous approach to making an impact: “sometimes you have to hit someone with a 2×4.
• Kathy Cole Award: SCWC Vice Chair Steve Elie presented Danielle Coats, the Director of Government and Public Affairs at Rancho California Water District, with the Kathy Cole Award. This award recognizes her 20 years of dedication to water policy. Known for her work on water affordability, the CropSWAP program, and advocacy with agencies like FEMA, Coats has driven awareness and funding for critical water projects. The award celebrates her exemplary commitment to sustainable water management and the collaborative spirit of retired water policy leader Kathy Cole.

“Our two award winners exemplify the leadership and dedication our water community needs to secure a sustainable future for California,” Wilson said.

“Senator Padilla has been an unwavering advocate for California’s water future, pushing for critical investments that address the state’s most pressing water challenges,” said Wilson.  “His leadership in advancing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enabling transformative projects like Pure Water Southern California, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable water supply.”

“Danielle Coats’ steady advocacy for accessible, affordable water solutions has empowered communities across Southern California. Both are true champions of water resilience,” he continued.

Adán Ortega Jr. also addressed the SCWC’s Board of Directors during its meeting, outlining what’s next for the Metropolitan Water District. His remarks highlighted the district’s ongoing initiatives and the strategic plans to ensure a sustainable water supply for the region.

Other highlights of the evening included the premier of SCWC’s newest video, “40 Years of Impact: 2024 Water Year in Review,” highlighting SCWC members reflecting on the coalition’s 40 years of coalition building. The SCWC team also showcased its animated video “Southern California’s Water Story,” a recent winner of five global Collision Awards for animation. 

As the SCWC looks forward to the next 40 years, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for sustainable water policies and ensuring a secure water future for all Southern Californians.

View more photos on Flickr HERE.

Read about our 2023 Annual Meeting and Dinner HERE.

The post Celebrating 40 Years of Advocacy: Southern California Water Coalition’s Anniversary Meeting & Dinner Recap appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

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 a water industry expert, environmental champion, or simply fascinated by the power and potential of water, this is your invitation to be inspired and informed. 💙

Join our growing community of Southern California water fanatics by subscribing to our channel, turning on your notifications, and sharing this video with fellow water advocates. Together, we are the current driving forward to a more informed and water-conscious tomorrow. 

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