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.

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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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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