The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) kicked off 2026 with a landmark event on Friday, January 23rd, bringing together key leaders for a critical conversation on the future of our region’s water. The event, held at the iconic Santa Anita Park, drew an impressive crowd of 320 people, all eager to hear from the newly appointed leadership at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).

The main event featured the first-ever joint appearance of Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board Chair Adan Ortega, Jr., and the district’s new General Manager, Shivaji Deshmukh. Moderated by SCWC’s own Executive Director and CEO, Charley Wilson, the panel provided invaluable insight into the new leadership’s shared vision for a resilient and reliable water future. This important conversation will be published online as a future episode of What Matters Water TV and Podcast, so stay tuned!

But the day was more than just a panel discussion. It was a full-day affair that included:

• An SCWC Board meeting to kick off the day’s events.
• An exclusive VIP tour of the historic Santa Anita Park, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary racetrack.
• A touch of fun and excitement with the first race of the day being named the “SoCal Water Race for Resilience,” where attendees had the chance to cheer on the horses and take some memorable photos.

This important luncheon was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Parsons, and to Michael Drennan from Parsons for delivering the opening introduction. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our additional sponsors: Burbank Water and Power, Crescenta Valley Water District, Glendale Water and Power, Kiewit, Pasadena Water and Power, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority.

The energy and engagement throughout the day were palpable, reflecting the collective commitment to collaboration and innovation in the water sector. We extend our sincere thanks to our esteemed panelists, all our members, and the 320 attendees who joined us for this important and memorable event. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to build a sustainable water future for all.

View a larger gallery of event photos on Flickr HERE. 

 

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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. 

➡️ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more updates from What Matters Water TV + Podcast 🌊✨

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The Purified Water Project is the largest recycled water project under development in the Bay Area and when complete (as early as 2028) will increase Santa Clara County’s use of recycled water to 10% of demand with a drought-resilient supply. The Hyperion Recycled Water Project is the largest water recycling project under development in the U.S., and when finished will be capable of meeting more than a third of the entire City of Los Angeles’ water demand. The Pure Water Southern California project, developed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, will produce up to 150 million gallons of water daily, making it one of the largest water recycling facilities in the world.

There are numerous meritorious surface and groundwater storage and desalination projects across California that deserve general fund support. But when it comes to direct appropriation, these stand out.

First, these projects serve areas that are today highly dependent on increasingly unreliable imported water supplies. In 2022, both regions received just 5% of their allocation from the State Water Project plus what more they could obtain for human health and safety, and a record drought in the Colorado River basin is currently pushing Lakes Mead and Powell dangerously close to dead pool. A prolonged water supply shortage in these regions could kneecap housing and economic development in ways that would have profoundly negative effects across California’s economy and state budget.

Climate change makes such disaster scenarios far more likely than in the past. The Governor’s announcement came with new science that statewide precipitation is expected to decline 10 percent due to climate change. Last December, Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories estimated warming temperatures will reduce the Sierra snowpack, the source of about a third of California’s water supply, to effectively zero most years beginning in the 2040s.

Second, both regions are among the most water efficient in the U.S. A 2017 analysis by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found that the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan statistical area (which would be served by the Purified Water Project) produces more economic value per gallon of water consumed than any other metro area in the U.S. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside came in third, just behind San Francisco. In other words, if water-efficiency was our only consideration, we’d concentrate growth precisely in these areas.

Lastly, these projects could begin delivering water by end the end of this decade in time to meet recycled water production goals outlined in the Governor’s water supply strategy. Should California experience a drought on the order of Australia’s feared Millennium Drought, these projects would be coming online in the nick of time.

While California doesn’t have the luxury of focusing on just one water supply solution, recycled water is more reliable than surface storage, less expensive than desalination, and enjoys broad support from environmentalists. It’s also safe and widely used in other water-constrained regions. Singapore and Kuwait currently meet 40% and 35% of their water demand with recycled water, respectively. Israel recycles 90% of its wastewater. California currently recycles just 10%.

That’s why a statewide coalition of business groups, water agencies, and labor organizations led by the Bay Area Council and the Southern California Water Coalition requested general funding allocations for both projects earlier this year.

Governor Newsom has called for recycling an additional 800,000 acre-feet of water per year by 2030. These projects alone would get us one-third of the way there while strengthening the resilience of California’s economic engine and its most populous region. The Governor and the legislature should fund them.   

Jim Wunderman is President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. Charley Wilson is Executive Director and CEO of the Southern California Water Coalition (socalwater.org).

The post To Meet Governor’s Drought Goals, These Projects Deserve Support appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

A Collaborative Approach to Colorado River Management

We’re relaunching a brand new What Matters webinar on Thursday, October 6, 2022, all about the Colorado River! Join us and our sponsors Black & Veatch, Richard Brady, Imperial Irrigation District and San Diego County Water Authority as we unpack the challenges we’re facing on the Colorado River. More details coming soon!

SCWC’s Annual Event and Award Presentation

The post Fall 2022 Water Events You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

A light rivalry permeates the state from Eureka and the Bay Area to L.A. and San Diego over who has the better weather, sports teams, tacos, and, more seriously in this historically dry year, water management.

You know when Northern and Southern Californians agree vehemently on one thing, it’s time to pay attention. And that one thing is: Now is the time to invest boldly in water infrastructure.

Up and down the state, the voices of business, community leaders, labor, water leaders, and more are united on the need for modernization and improvement of our water systems. 

It’s no secret that California is in the middle of a severe drought, its effects made worse by a warming planet. But what people may not fully realize is how outdated our water infrastructure is and how it is in serious need of repair and expansion. And we must make this a high priority for our leaders with the substantial surplus projected within the state budget.

California has presented itself as a global pathfinder in battling climate change. Taking this mantle makes sense. But now we need to truly represent, with real investment in critical drought preparedness and water resiliency infrastructure initiatives.

Within our beautiful state, the warning signals from our changing Earth are beginning to glare like the reddest flag, with droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and extreme weather at the leading edge of disasters to come.

Our water supplies and the outdated systems conveying them to millions of Californians are now demonstrating the effects after another historically dry year. It’s not going to get better.

The state’s surplus can be used to make bold investments today to improve this situation. We may not come close to ending the danger. Still, these investments could mitigate drought effects, partly protect us against some of climate change’s consequences and show critical climate leadership when more is needed. The money would be well spent.

Tangled supply chains and empty store shelves have reminded everyone that old-fashioned physical infrastructure is still vital in a digital age. And although it is hard to envision a water crisis as water flows freely from so many taps, we must look beyond today’s reality to our state’s long-range needs.

Chief among these needs, and essential to the state’s economic future, are intelligent, well-aimed investments in infrastructure – recycled water projects large and small, water supply development and water use efficiency initiatives, State Water Project subsidence repairs, water treatment against emerging contaminants, storage, stormwater capture, flood control, and more. We have a complete list we are delighted to share.

We know the state has many pressing issues. But the evident shortcomings of the state’s critical water infrastructure should be on every state politician’s mind as climate change’s impacts slide more clearly into focus. Surely we do not wish to be the generation known for lacking the foresight or the political will to fund public needs and spur the economic growth that fuels the California way of life in the decades ahead.

We urge Governor Newsom and the State Legislature to act boldly in the 2022-23 budget by securing investments in California’s water infrastructure today. It’s the surest way to show California Love and a way for us in the Sunshine State to show authentic leadership in climate change policy.

–Charles Wilson, Executive Director, Southern California Water Coalition

Read the coalition letter signed by:

• Bay Area Council
• Southern California Water Coalition
• Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley
• BizFed
• California Water Service
• Contra Costa Water District
• Engineering Contractors’ Association
• Industrial Environmental Association
• Inland Empire Economic Partnership
• Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
• Mojave Water Agency
• North Bay Leadership Council
• Orange County Business Council
• Rebuild SoCal
• San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
• SCV Water
• Southern California Leadership Council
• Valley Water

Read the coalition letter signed by the State Water Contractors, Kern County Water Agency, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Central Coast Water Authority, Coachella Valley Water District, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, SCV Water, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, Crestline Lake Arrowhead Water Agency, TLBWSD, Solano County Water Agency, Empire West Side Irrigation District, and AVEK.

The post Californians agree: Time is Now to Invest in Water Infrastructure appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Innovations in Stormwater Capture

SCWC’s Stormwater Task Force, led by Rich Nagel of Jacobs and Dan Lafferty of Los Angeles County Public Works, is on the docket to present its “Innovations in Stormwater Capture” white paper at the California-Nevada Section AWWA’s virtual fall conference taking place Tues., Oct. 27 at 10:30 a.m. The conference also marks the 100th anniversary of the California-Nevada Section, so they’ve got lots of terrific speakers (Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of Metropolitan Water District and Pat Mulroy, former GM of Southern Nevada Water Authority are two examples) planned for the three-day event. Register for the conference HERE. Full registration price for the three-day conference is $325.

Water and Energy Resiliency – Creating Order from Chaos

SCWC’s Executive Director Charley Wilson is the keynote speaker at Southern California Edison’s Annual Water Conference on Wed., Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. This program will focus on the need for public water agencies to continue to educate advocates for actions in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions reductions and renewable energy investments that are reasonable and effective while taking into account the need to provide water as their primary mission to meet community needs. Discussions will include California’s current water situation and an update on efforts underway to advance energy, water, and state policy initiatives and updates from SCE. This online webinar is open to all industry professionals and is free of charge. Register HERE. Download the event flyer.

SCWC’s Annual Event and Award Presentation

Celebrate an unusual year of resilience and accomplishments with Southern California Water Coalition. At our reimagined annual event on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m., join us on Zoom for a lively, interesting and fun program. 

The post Fall 2020 Water Events You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

One thing hasn’t changed though, and that’s the need for clean and reliable water. So we were heartened to see the State published its final vision for meeting water supply challenges like droughts, earthquakes, and aging infrastructure. It is hard to think about anything other than the coronavirus pandemic lately, but it is also a crisis that underscores the importance of access to safe and affordable water as key in fighting the spread of disease and ensuring people can stay safe in their homes. 

July 28 was publication day for the final version of the California Water Resilience Portfolio, a 141-page document accounting for the challenges and opportunities facing the state and its communities as we seek to secure every Californian’s right to water.

For us, the most excellent news was the inclusion of a single-tunnel, modern conveyance solution within the key actions in the portfolio. In our view, modernizing the State Water Project’s water delivery system through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is vital and makes everything else in the portfolio possible. We think it is no less than the linchpin to the state’s future water resilience.

This state-led system serves as the backbone of California’s water supply, delivering water to the homes, businesses and farms of 27 million Californians. Without it, California would have to replace 2.5 million acre-feet of clean, fresh water to meet average annual state demand on that system. Here in Southern California, the State Water Project represents 30 percent of the total water supply, serving 19 million people.

Water delivered through the State Water Project is a cost-effective source of water for Californians. Yet this critical supply has a weak link in its old, man-made dirt levee infrastructure found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Updating this system is critical to the success of the Water Resilience Portfolio. Not only will it build resilience should the “big one” hit along one of the state’s fault lines, it will also facilitate groundwater recharge in overdrawn basins and prevent saltwater intrusion from sea level rise. Building a large-capacity single tunnel under the Delta protects the state’s most valuable and affordable water supply and protects the public’s investment in the State Water Project, while safeguarding one of the richest ecosystems in the world.

We also must applaud the state’s approach that borrows heavily from nature to build and improve water systems that millions rely upon. Some say nature is the best engineer. We certainly agree that we can learn from — and imitate — natural ecosystems as we work toward a water supply system ready to help us cope with extreme droughts and floods, rising temperatures, depleted groundwater basins, and aging infrastructure. All will be amplified by impacts of climate change.

The state’s willingness to draw lessons from nature are evident throughout the portfolio. From smart, multi-benefit projects that combine flood control, farming and wildlife habitat (see the Nigiri Project for an example of how well this can work) to the Delta Conveyance project design that aims to create more natural flow directions in the Delta to help fish, there is a lot to admire in this vision for California’s water future.

It is also a fact that projects such as Delta Conveyance and the Sites Reservoir will benefit the local and regional economy through job creation. Construction of both will require a large skilled workforce for multiple years, an important consideration in light of the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. All told, there is much to admire in this Water Resilience Portfolio and we look forward to supporting the Newsom Administration as it aims to make these goals a reality.

A recent poll asked people ages 14-44 how they hoped U.S. society would change after the pandemic is over. A third said they hoped that everyone would wash their hands more.

Let’s make sure they have the water to do it.

Charles Wilson
Executive Director
Southern California Water Coalition

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