What Matters Water TV and Podcast

California needs water infrastructure urgently. But why does it take decades to build something as essential as a reservoir?

In this episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, host Charley Wilson explores the complex, often frustrating world of water project development in California. From environmental reviews to legal red tape, we dig into the reasons why progress moves at a glacial pace—and what’s being done to change that.

Cha...

Wildfires are changing. Is our water infrastructure ready?

California wildfires aren’t just getting more frequent—they’re getting bigger, faster, and more destructive. When the flames rise, water is our most powerful firefighting tool. But can our water systems handle the demand?

In this episode of What Matters Water TV & Podcast, we dive into the critical connection between wildfires and water. How do massive fires impact water ...

California’s water rules are changing—permanently.

Starting January 1, 2025, new regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board will require major water suppliers to cut water delivery significantly by 2040. This isn’t just about managing water during droughts anymore—this is about building drought resilience into everyday life.

Water agencies across the state will now have to develop community-specific water budgets that...

Imagine a future where California faces increasing water instability. The state experiences more rain, less snow, and an uptick in extreme weather events like droughts and floods. Layer in the looming threats of sea level rise, climate change, and seismic activity, and the picture becomes even more complex.

Now, consider a solution designed to tackle these challenges head-on—the Delta Conveyance Project. This ambitious, multi-billi...

In this very special episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, we dive into the production team's favorite moments from the first 19 episodes. Join us as we revisit the cutting-edge water innovations that amazed us, tackle the urgent challenges of climate change affecting our water policies, and share the personal stories of the dedicated people ensuring that water flows from our taps.

Meredith Yinger, the producer of What Matter...

Get to know Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio from California’s 48th District and listen along while she and host Charley Wilson delve into a profound conversation that unpacks the complexities of water management and policy in California. The dialogue also gets personal, as the assemblywoman shares her personal story, from her roots in Mexico, her...

Get to know "What Matters Water TV + Podcast" in two minutes or less in our new podcast trailer designed to tell you what we're all about! 💧🎥

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, environme...

Get to know "What Matters Water TV + Podcast" in two minutes or less in our new podcast trailer video designed to show you what we're all about! 💧🎥

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, env...

Picture a world where wastewater transforms into drinking water like a fairytale glass slipper.

California’s water regulator is leading the charge towards a future where purified wastewater becomes clean, delicious drinking water for all. But people have questions about how advanced water purification will work, and we’re here to get some answers from the people who are turning wastewater into wonder.

In Episode 18 of What Matters ...

Welcome to another insightful episode of "What Matters Water TV + Podcast"! In this eye-opening discussion, we dive into the world of water management in California and the power of collaboration with special guests Heather Dyer and Betsy Miller.

These two remarkable women, both general managers and biologists, share their experiences working together in San Bernardino Valley to achieve groundbreaking results in groundwater recharg...

Introducing "What Matters Water TV + Podcast," your essential destination for all things water in California. In this groundbreaking series, we dive deep into the pivotal conversations and innovations that are shaping the future of water management in the Golden State.

Join us as we sit down with some of California's top water leaders, including Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District; Karla Nemeth, Dire...

Introducing "What Matters Water TV + Podcast," your essential destination for all things water in California. In this groundbreaking series, we dive deep into the pivotal conversations and innovations that are shaping the future of water management in the Golden State.

Join us as we sit down with some of California's top water leaders, including Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District; Karla Nemeth, Dire...

In this episode of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of equity, access, and affordability in Southern California’s drinking water. Hosted by Charley Wilson, we’re joined by three remarkable guests who are at the forefront of this conversation. Martin Ludlow, a champion of water justice and founder of Groundswell for Water, Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, a city leader advocating for underserved communit...

Get ready to explore the cutting-edge world of desalination and uncover the future of water supply in Southern California!

Join us as we dive headfirst into this technology with four distinguished guests from San Diego County ...

Are you curious to learn more about how Infrastructure L.A. will affect Los Angeles's water landscape? 

In this episode of SCWC, we are joined by three esteemed experts from Los Angeles County Public Works and the LA Department of Water and Power.

They'll provide cutting-edge insights into the implications of this ambitious undertaking for water supply management and be...

California's water supply is being tested by volatile weather patterns, including droughts and extreme rainfall. To prepare for a future with less snow and more dry spells, the state must diversify its water sources, modernize its water infrastructure, and improve watershed collaboration.   

The stakes are high.

Experts say we could lose 10% of our water supply in the next 20 years due to climate change.

Preparing for this challeng...

Would you like to know some fascinating facts about water? Then you won't want to miss this - in episode #12 our host Charley Wilson talks with renowned climatologist and hydrologist, Peter Gleick, author of the new book The Three Ages of Water.

Water, to paraphrase Dr. Gleick, is special. It’s a basic natural resource that we depend on as much as our ancestors did, but it’s also a part of ...

Wherever you live in California, cultivating a secure and abundant water future is a goal we can all support.

But taking the necessary steps to get there can be hard to do. Especially as we watch our state whipsaw through weather extremes. In just twelve months the state has gone from a historic and severe drought to above average rainfall and snow. Many people are asking, is the drought ov...

Calls for conservation have been a constant drumbeat in California over the years, but the past year has brought even greater pressure on residents to do more.

For many, though, that’s easier said than done. Busy lives, work and family commitments and budget restrictions can be a major obstacle for struggling families. And others just have no idea where to start.

Enter ...