We Need Water

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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In this episode of We Need Water, we dive into NASA’s groundbreaking GRACE Project (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, 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.

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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. 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
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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 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

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
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @weneedh20
Watch the episode on Youtube

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, 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
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In this episode of We Need Water, we sit down with Lisa Taylor, a sustainable landscaping speaker, educator and author to talk about all things Organic Pest Control. We discuss how residents can take a holistic approach to deal with common pests in the PNW including rabbits, moles, aphids, slugs and more! Tune in to learn how to integrate pest control into your gardening without resorting to poisonous chemicals.

Topics Include:
- What is organic pest control?
- How does it differ from other pest control management?
- What are benefits of organic pest control?
- How to deal with common pests - rabbits, moles, aphids, slugs!
- Resources for gardeners


Lisa Taylor is an accomplished author, speaker, and educator who has promoted sustainable gardening in the Puget Sound region for many years.

Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program
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In this episode, we dive into how the company, Aquaria, has developed a new technology to create clean safe water from the air. We discuss why this technology is needed now more than ever due to climate change, plus how it works, and how it's helping people. 

Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program
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In this episode of "We Need Water," we dive into the fascinating world of rain gardens and explore the City of Kirkland’s innovative “Yard Smart Rain Rewards” program. We speak with Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist, Kate Schmiett. Join us as we discuss how residents can participate in this impactful initiative and the benefits they can expect after completing a project.

Topics Covered:

• Kirkland’s “Yard Smart Rain Rewards”: Discover the incentives and support available for creating sustainable landscapes.
• Participation Process: Learn how Kirkland residents can get involved and take advantage of the program.
• Post-Project Expectations: Understand what happens after completing a rain garden project and the ongoing benefits.
• Program Goals: Uncover the objectives behind the “Yard Smart Rain Rewards” and its vision for a greener community.
• What is a Rain Garden?: Get a clear explanation of what a rain garden is and its environmental significance.
• Importance of Rain Gardens: Explore why rain gardens matter and their role in promoting ecological health.
• Creating a Rain Garden: Step-by-step guidance on how residents can start their own rain garden projects.
• Job Enjoyment: Hear about the rewarding aspects of working with Kirkland’s environmental programs from our special guest.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration to help you make a positive impact on your local environment. Tune in and learn how you can transform your yard into a beautiful, functional rain garden!

ABOUT KATE SCHMIETT

Kate Schmiett is the Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist for the City of Kirkland Stormwater group. She helps people in Kirkland connect to their local environment, especially how to understand that their actions at home can help support water quality in Kirkland’s creeks, Lake Washington, and Puget Sound.

More info about the Yard Smart Program: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Storm-Surface-Water/Green-Stormwater-Infrastructure-GSI/Yard-Smart-Rain-Rewards

Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program
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Do you have a home water irrigation system or are you considering installing one? 

Dive into this discussion about how to make yours a smart irrigation system for landscape health and water efficiency. From the components needed to the common problems and solutions for irrigation systems, plus the steps you need to take to activate and deactivate your irrigation system. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with Landscape Management Professional, David McGrath. 

Episode Topics:
1. Components of an irrigation system
2. What are zones?
3. What is smart irrigation?
4. Common problems and solutions of irrigation systems.
5. When to activate and deactivate your system. 
6. Tools for homeowners

David McGrath is an irrigation specialist, a teacher, and horticulturist. He has a long career in gardening in the Pacific Northwest. Originally from New England, he moved here over 30yrs ago, began his work in agriculture, then found his calling in residential landscaping. His love of plants and his environmental stewardship inspired him to help others develop a respect for nature and its resources, specifically water. David has knowledge of both horticulture and Irrigation so he can look at a landscape from two angles, plant health and water use. He regularly performs detailed analyses of public irrigation systems and provides constructive feedback on how to conserve water while still maintaining a healthy landscape. He offers classes and workshops on understanding and maintaining systems.

Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program
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Welcome back to Season 2 of We Need Water! To kickoff our season we are speaking with Jessi Bloom about how to rip out your lawn. What are the benefits of doing this? Why would you do such a thing? And tips and tricks for how to plan your turf removal. We cover some of Jessi’s favorite tools, plants, and techniques for creating an outdoor space that requires less work and less water.

Jessi was born and raised in the PNW and has a strong background of horticulture and environmental sciences. Her early experience ranged in project management, from organizing restoration projects with community volunteers, to high-end residential and commercial landscape design/build. In early 2000, she decided to start an ethical business in the green industry to fill a niche for organic and ecological landscaping.  Seattle Times named her a “rockstar in the ecological gardening movement“, with her leadership combined with artistic design talents she led N.W. Bloom to numerous environmental awards, traveling nationwide as a speaker and is the best-selling author:  Free-Range Chicken Gardens (2012)  Practical Permaculture Design(2015)which is now in 6 languages; and Creating Sanctuary: Sacred Garden Spaces, Plant Based Medicine and Daily Practices to Achieve Happiness and Well-Being (2017) and its companion workbook Everyday Sanctuary(2019)  Jessi’s work has gotten press and been featured in many national and local media outlets from the NY Times, Better Homes & Gardens, Sunset Magazine, DISNEY, Martha Stewart Living, Mother Earth News, UTNE Reader, Fine Gardening Magazine and PBS’s Growing a Greener World TV. 

Jessi is passionately committed to volunteering in the community and sits on several advisory boards within the green industry and educational/environmental organizations; hoping to empower people, also raising industry standards, and helped develop the EcoPro program for WA State. Currently she was appointed as an Agriculture Commissioner for King County, as well a member of the WA DNR Urban and Community Forestry Committee.  She has 3  kids and spends time with them around their little farm, with a handful of animals and gardens to look after.  When she is not working, she enjoys the outdoors: snowboarding, hiking, her horses, running, yoga, biking, rollerskating and stays strong with Olympic weightlifting.

Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program
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