May 07, 2026

329: Justin Hopkins: Before the Tap Runs Dry

1 hour 30 minutes

Justin Hopkins: Before the Tap Runs DryWhat Leaders Need to Know About Growth, Scarcity, and the Future of Water

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Episode 329 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

Most people don't think about water…until they have to.

But behind every faucet, every development project, and every growing community is a system under pressure and one that most residents will never see.

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Justin Hopkins, General Manager of the Stockton East Water District, to pull back the curtain on the complex world of water in local government. From aging infrastructure and groundwater depletion to regulatory pressure and explosive growth, Justin shares what it actually takes to keep water flowing and what happens when the math no longer works.

As communities continue to expand and resources become more constrained, the conversation around water is no longer just operational; it's strategic.

And for local leaders, it's becoming one of the defining challenges of the next generation.

This episode also highlights Drinking Water Week (May 3–9, 2026), an initiative led by the American Water Works Association to recognize the essential role water professionals play in protecting public health and supporting thriving communities.

If you're a city manager, department head, or public sector leader navigating growth, infrastructure, or long-term planning, this is a conversation you can't afford to ignore.