In the early 1900’s California water projects were Big and Bold. Today’s guest, Mehul Patel, Orange County Water District’s Executive Director of Operations, oversees a project that can be classified in that same category – the Groundwater Replenishment System or GWRS. The only reason urban water agencies are even talking about, let alone planning for, direct potable reuse is because of this project. Mehul joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio and shares the history of the project back to Water Factory 21, the courageous decisions two agencies had to make to move forward and make significant investments, and of course, one-of-the-most-important-things-of all, how they overcome the “Yuck factor” when so many others could not.

Mehul also shares how anyone, yes anyone, can get a tour of this world-class facility. Listen in!

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We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Will Pruitt, CEO of Water Right, LLC, and Exchange Contractor PAC Board Member, joins Darcy and Darcy this week. Will shares the Why, Where, and When certain irrigation strategies are employed. Irrigation has come a long way in the last few decades and now, with the help of better technology, innovation, and grower expertise, not only are these systems more efficient, but they are lasting longer. There’s more to it than just turning on your “sprinklers!” That means a better Return on Investment which is an efficiency incentive.

For our Urban listeners, you are about to learn how complex “watering” really is. And for our growers, Will has some great suggestions at the end that will position you well for the future. Listen in!

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We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Imagine this: you shut off 31% of your customers for non-payment and the United Nations shows up at your door. This is a true story and Darcy and Darcy were very curious to see how this played out. Join them as they welcome Matt Phillips, who leads the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s Customer Service Division as well as serves as the Department’s Chief of Staff. Matt shares how he was tasked with finding a way to collect the over $200 million (you read the right!) in outstanding receivables, making water and waste-water services affordable to Detroit’s residents, with more than 50% living below the national poverty level, and all while NOT turning off services. Curious how he is doing it? Darcy and Darcy were! Tune in to learn what Detroit is doing and what we can all learn.

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We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.