About one million Californians face persistent challenges accessing safe, affordable drinking water, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities.

California’s SAFER program, led by the State Water Resources Control Board, takes a holistic and proactive approach to address these inequities, providing funding, technical assistance, and regulatory tools to ensure clean water for all.

In this episode, Adriana Renteria, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, Equity, and Tribal Affairs, shares insights into her journey from a childhood shaped by water inequities to her leadership in driving solutions.

She discusses the SAFER program’s unique model, which prioritizes failing water systems through needs assessments, funds community engagement, and enforces solutions like water system consolidation.

Adriana highlights the role of tribal partnerships, including innovative collaborations to fill gaps in federal funding and resources. She also emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust and transparency with communities historically left out of water decision-making.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet. This episode is part of the Color of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub.