We Need Water

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. Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program [https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/we-need-water-because/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/weneedh20/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/weneedH20/] @weneedh20 Watch the episode on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@weneedwater652]

NASA's GRACE Program

In this episode of We Need Water, we dive into NASA’s groundbreaking GRACE Project [https://nasagrace.unl.edu/Default.aspx] (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment), which uses satellites to monitor Earth’s freshwater resources. NASA recently released a report detailing the findings from this vital mission, revealing the state of freshwater supplies across the globe. Our guest, Dr. Matthew Rodell [https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci/bio/matthew.rodell], one of the study’s authors, joins us to explain how the GRACE Project works, why NASA is focused on Earth’s water resources, and what the findings mean for our planet. We’ll explore which regions are experiencing the greatest water stress, where resources are improving, and how governments use GRACE data to inform policy. Tune in to learn how space technology is helping us better understand—and protect—our planet’s most precious resource. Topics Covered: 1. What is the GRACE Project, and how does it work? 2. Why NASA is studying Earth’s freshwater resources 3. Key findings from the GRACE Project report 4. Implications of declining freshwater resources 5. Regions facing the greatest water stress—and areas showing improvement 6. How governments use GRACE data to inform policies 7. The future of the GRACE Project and its global impact Matthew Rodell is a NASA researcher and author of the study of the GRACE project findings. Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program [https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/we-need-water-because/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/weneedh20/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/weneedH20/] @weneedh20 Watch the episode on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@weneedwater652]

From Ocean to Tap: Carlsbad’s Desalination with Jeremy Crutchfield

In this episode we explore the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which is the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient seawater desalination plant in the nation. Each day, the plant delivers nearly 50 million gallons (56,000 acre-feet per year (AFY)) of fresh, desalinated water to San Diego County – enough to serve approximately 400,000 people. Discover how desalination technology has evolved and its potential to address future water shortages. We discuss the energy demands of desalination, the impact of sea level rise on these plants, and the environmental impact of brine discharge. Topics Discussed: * Energy demands of desalination * The impact of sea level on desalination plants * Practical limitations of transporting desalinated water * The cost of desalination compared to traditional water treatment * The volume and management of desalination waste * Water rights for desalination plants * The future of desalination in California and around the world * Resources for learning more about the Carlsbad Desal plant Jeremy Crutchfield is the manager in the Water Resources Department of the San Diego County Water Authority [https://www.sdcwa.org/]. Jeremy is a licensed civil engineer with more than twenty-five years’ experience planning, designing and constructing water infrastructure projects; and currently oversees the facility and supply planning functions at the Water Authority as well as administration of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant Water Purchase Agreement. Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program [https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/we-need-water-because/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/weneedh20/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/weneedH20/] @weneedh20 Watch the episode on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@weneedwater652]

Lessons From The San Antonio Drought With Karen Guz

This episode of the We Need Water Podcast dives into the severe drought gripping South Central Texas and explores how San Antonio is responding. Host Michael Brent, Water Resources Manager for Cascade Water Alliance, welcomes Karen Guz, Vice President of Conservation with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), as she discusses the challenges and strategies employed to ensure water security for the city. Guests: Karen Guz, San Antonio Water System Topics Discussed: The severity and impact of the Texas drought on San Antonio. The "Severe" drought status and its implications for water supply. SAWS' water management strategies, including watering restrictions, public education, and partnerships. Customer response to the drought and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. The role of reclaimed water in San Antonio's water resources. The future outlook for San Antonio's water resources. Collaboration with landscape and irrigation companies for water conservation. Resources for learning more about SAWS and water conservation. Karen Guz [https://www.saws.org/people/karen-guz/]is the Vice President of Conservation fort San Antonio Water System (SAWS). She leads a diverse and energetic team responsible for acquiring one billion gallons of water each year through conservation education, incentives and reasonable regulation. The SAWS Conservation Department is considered one of the most successful in the nation and has been recognized through awards from organizations including TCEQ, the Water Conservation Advisory Council, and the Kennedy School of Government Innovations in Government Awards. Karen received the peer selected Water Star award from the Alliance for Water Efficiency for career achievements in conservation management. Karen’s Bachelor of Science degree is from the University of Michigan and her Master of Public Administration is from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Learn more about SAWS and water conservation at www.saws.org [https://www.saws.org/] Remember: We Need Water! Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @weneedh20 Watch the episode on Youtube Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program [https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/we-need-water-because/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/weneedh20/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/weneedH20/] @weneedh20 Watch the episode on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@weneedwater652]

Gardening Trends With Mr. Plant Geek

In this episode of We Need Water, we’re joined by Michael Perry—better known as Mr. Plant Geek—a leading voice in the global gardening community. Michael shares his passion for spreading the joy of gardening across the world and dives into the latest trends emerging as gardeners respond to the effects of climate change. From eco-friendly practices to resilient plant choices, discover how the world of gardening is evolving to meet environmental challenges. Michael Perry [https://mrplantgeek.com/what-i-do/], aka Mr. Plant Geek, is very well known in the UK and around Europe and elsewhere, and he’s also a featured speaker at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. He’s been involved with gardening and plants since he was five years old and was listed in the Sunday Times (London paper) as one of the top 20 most influential people in the gardening world. Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program [https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/we-need-water-because/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/weneedh20/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/weneedH20/] @weneedh20 Watch the episode on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@weneedwater652]