Lessons From the First Drop: Michael Brent on 21 Years with Cascade Water Alliance

In this special episode of We Need Water, we mark the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter.

Cascade’s new Water Efficiency Manager, James Amspacher, sits down with retiring conservation pioneer and longtime We Need Water host, Michael Brent. Together, they reflect on Michael's two-decade journey at Cascade, from the early days of regional water planning to building a water conservation program from the ground up.

With honesty, humor, and heart, Mike shares:

- What it was like working at Cascade when it first formed
- How he developed a program that now saves millions of gallons of water each year
- How public attitudes and conservation strategies have evolved
- What every Pacific Northwest resident should understand about their water future

Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the legacy of someone who helped shape how we value water in our region. Tune in to hear the story!

Michael Brent served as the Water Resource Manager for Cascade Water Alliance from 2004-2025. Cascade Water Alliance is a municipal water supplier providing clean, safe drinking water to more than 400,000 people in King County, Washington.

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