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 …

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 sys…

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 th…

This week Dan Nelson retired Executive Director of the San Luis-Delta Mendota Water Authority (Authority) joins Darcy and Darcy. Dan shares the history of the Authority’s predecessor organization, the events that led to the Authority’s creation, key operation and water management milestones, and the best lesson he learned. The coolest part of the i…

Darcy V is harvesting tomatoes so that means, Darcy B. is leading this discussion, and what a discussion it is! Darcy welcomes Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel, the Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs for the Milk Producers Council, a California dairy farmer trade association. Geoff is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Water Blueprint for the San Jo…

This week Ryan Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer of Fresno Farm Bureau joins Darcy and Darcy for an interesting conversation on what a Farm Bureau is, what it does, and how they work. Ryan discusses that over the last ten years, a lot of what he does can be summed up in these words, “There’s water ... and then there’s everything else.” Ryan shares …

This week, Darcy B. is flying solo while Darcy V. is out of town. Left to her own devices, Darcy welcomed into the studio Dusty Ference, the Executive Director of the King’s County Farm Bureau. Recently, Dusty and the King’s County Farm Bureau made headlines when they successfully were issued a temporary restraining order against the State Water Re…

It’s Darcy and Darcy this week and they have plenty to talk about. First, they share information about a Central Valley event hosted by The California Water Alliance (4th Annual Water Forum) that is being held on August 7th. This event was encouraging to both Darcys as it appears to be a non-partisan, forward thinking, solution focused event. Check…

For over a decade now, Direct Potable ReUse (DPR) has been referred to as “Showers to Flowers.” Darcy and Darcy welcome back Las Virgenes General Manager and President of Water ReUse California, Dave Pedersen to talk about DPR’s next level – Pizza & Beer! If you recall from our December 29th episode, Darcy V wanted to try the DPR Pale Ale Beer that…

Paul Minasian, long-practicing California water rights attorney, is back! Paul joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio to explain the Supreme Court of the United States’ (SCOTUS)overturning of what was known as the Chevron doctrine. Darcy and Darcy ask Paul about the impacts this ruling may have on Federal (and State) Water Project Operations, water pr…

Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District joins Darcy and Darcy this week for a long-awaited recharge, culture change, and water supply reliability (or is that unreliable water supply ?!) conversation. Allison has been in water for over two decades and served a wide variety of leadership roles however has only been at the helm of W…

It’s Fourth of July week and it’s the perfect time for Darcy and Darcy to share the top produce grown in California and pretty much – you guessed it - your entire summer fruit salad is provided by your friendly California Farmer! And with California's Central Valley temperatures inching up past 110 for over a week, Darcy V shares his strategies on …

This week Darcy and Darcy have some good news to share when they welcome Eddie Ocampo, Director of Community Sustainability with Self-Help Enterprises, a nationally recognized community development organization. Eddie and Self Help work with communities to build resiliency through housing, water reliability, waste-water services, and community deve…

Jason Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Friant Water Authority, and Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Board Member joins Darcy and Darcy this week for an interesting and thought-provoking conversation. Jason covers what the Blueprint is, who is part of it, why it is needed, new partnerships, and top priorities. He also explain…

Steve Chedester, Director of Policy and Programs at the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority (Exchange Contractors) is back for part two of local project investments, the Orestimba Creek Recharge and Recovery Project – say that three times fast! Steve shares information about a groundwater recharge project in the Del Puerto Water …

Darcy and Darcy welcome back Steve Chedester, Director of Policy and Programs at the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority (Exchange Contractors). Steve shares some innovative infrastructure news that for us Water Nerds, is super exciting! The Exchange Contractors partnered with the San Luis Water District and the Grasslands Water …

Darcy and Darcy are discussing some pretty incredible milestone events this week. First, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California entered into two Memorandums of Understanding. The first with Friant Water Authority and Westland Water District and the second with the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint. These non-binding agreements open the d…

Darcy and Darcy are back in the studio this week and tackle water affordability. With the USEPA finalizing the PFOS Maximum Contaminant Level at 4 PPT (Parts per trillion), California setting the Hexavalent Chromium 6) level at 10 PPB (Parts per billion), lead service line replacement costs, lower Arsenic standards coming, revised Lithium standards…

Darcy and Darcy welcome George Hawkins, founder and CEO of Moonshot Missions, a non-profit organization dedicated to clean and healthy water and waterways in underserved communities. Prior to starting Moonshot Missions, George was the General Manager of DC Water, where he served for eleven years, including several as a Board member. Darcy and Darcy…

This week JD Harkey, CEO of Drake Enterprises and Vice President of Rancho California Water District, joins Darcy and Darcy. JD farms and manages over 450 acres of wine grapes, avocados, citrus, and olives in the greater Temecula Valley. Elected to the Rancho California Water District Board of Directors in November of 2022, JD shares his challenges…

Darcy and Darcy are all alone this week discussing everything water and AG. From potential So Cal Water rate increases, Climate Adaptation Management Planning, tomato planting, and pricing, to allocations. These two have been busy this last week, joining the conversations locally and at the state level, farming, and doing what they do. If you make …

Senator Anna Caballero, who represents Senate District 14 which includes Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties, joins Darcy and Darcy this week. The Senator discusses Darcy B’s favorite bill this session, SB 366, rural California, water infrastructure, and the importance of Agriculture is to California’s economy, and to National Security. The Senator…

Justin Wallin, a recognized expert in accurately measuring public opinion, forecasting outcomes, and identifying the most effective ways to influence thoughts and behaviors joins Darcy and Darcy this week and discusses a recent California voter poll. Justin covers questions he asked in the field including ocean desalination and water recycling inve…

Dominic Dimare, Partner from ARC Strategies, a full-service legislative advocacy firm, joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio this week. The discussion includes California’s legislature, how bills become laws, the enormous amount of legislation proposed, ongoing challenges, and an update on Darcy B’s favorite piece of legislation this session, Senator…

Mitch Partovi, a water broker from The Water Agency, joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio and discusses California’s Water market, how it works, the regulatory oversight, the benefits, and related value. Darcy and Darcy ask some tough questions including monetization of water, the growing groundwater market considering the Sustainable Groundwater Ma…

It’s February 2024 and the atmospheric rivers are upon us! Chris White, Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Water Authority Exchange Contractors joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio and discusses the current atmospheric river conditions, California reservoir management, and a preview of the ECPAC member meeting presentation on February 28th.…

Bees play a critical role in California Agriculture. Gene Brandi, longtime west coast beekeeper, industry spokesman, ambassador, subject matter expert, advocate, and industry leader joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio for a “buzzworthy” conversation. They discuss the impacts water cutbacks have had on bees and the bee profession, including fallowin…

Las Virgenes General Manager and President of Water ReUse California, Dave Pedersen joins Darcy and Darcy for a frank and raw discussion on direct potable reuse (DPR). In late December, the State Water Resources Control Board approved DPR regulations; these regs will govern water agencies looking to use their wastewater as a new drinking water reso…

State Water Project (SWP) Contractors’ General Manager Jennifer Pierre joins Darcy and Darcy this week and Boy! Did they have a lot to talk about! Jennifer discusses the Governor’s proposal for the Water Quality Control Plan update, the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) staff proposal which would have huge water costs across the state (…

Assembly Ag Committee Chair Esmeralda Sora joins Darcy and Darcy this week and shares her own frustrations with getting things done, the importance of water and ag to California and the nation, how she is working to bridge the gap between urban and ag policy makers, and her hopes on how we can and must do better. Let us know what you’re thinking! Y…

Cannon Michael, the Chairman of the San Luis Delta and Mendota Water Authority, joins Darcy and Darcy this week and shares how they were able to secure the raising of the San Luis Reservoir Dam by 10 feet - creating an additional 130,000 acre feet of storage. Listen in and find out how they were able to pull this off, the estimated cost, their proj…

Darcy and Darcy welcome Paul and Jackson Minasian of Minasian Law Firm. Founded in 1841 by Paul’s grandparents, the Minasian Law Firm, located in Oroville California, specializes in California Water Rights. Paul walks Darcy and Darcy through California water rights history, the most basic types of water rights ,and provides a great foundation for o…

This week, Darcy and Darcy were out in the wild! Darcy B shares her adventures on the Drought or Missed Opportunities Panel at the 15th Orange County Water Summit, where her name was mentioned as California’s Water Czar candidate! Not to be outdone, Darcy V. shares his experience at the Association of California Water Agencies Region 6 & 7’s San Jo…

This week, Darcy and Darcy celebrate the new water year by welcoming back Chris White, Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Authority. Chris is an engineer, water manager, and exceptional historian. Darcy & Darcy asked Chris how we did in water-year 2022-2023, what storage looks like, what we could have done better, and …

This week, Darcy and Darcy welcome Ric Ortega, General Manager of Grasslands Water District. Grasslands is dedicated to the protection and delivery of water to the Grassland Resource Conservation District’s 75,000 acres of private, state, and federal wildlife refuges. Habitat served by the district is recognized as a Wetland of International Import…

Darcy and Darcy welcome Mike Wade, Executive Director of the California Food and Water Coalition (CFCW). CFWC is a non-profit, educational organization formed in 1989, providing fact-based information on farm water issues to the public. The organization works to help consumers, elected representatives, government officials and the media connect Cal…

Darcy and Darcy are on opposite sides once again! This time they take their respective stands on the State Water Resources Control Board’s staff recommendations to make Conservation a Way of Life for all Californians, regardless of water supply or availability. This new effort will put all Urban water agencies on a budget determined by SWRCB staff.…

California can do better! As promised, Darcy and Darcy are very excited to welcome into the studio, Congressman John Duarte. Congressman Duarte is serving his first term in the 118th Congress as Representative of California’s 13th District. Congressman Duarte shares his thoughts on California water management – or lack thereof, the federal Water fo…

Darcy and Darcy welcome Steve Chedester, the Director of Policy and Programs for the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority into the We Grow California Studios. Steve has been with the Exchange Contractors for 28 years and provides a great background and status report on the San Joaquin River Restoration Project. After litigation, s…

Darcy and Darcy welcome California State Senator Kelly Seyarto, who represents the 32nd District. Last year, Senator Seyarto toured the Central Valley, met with farmers, and learned about their operations, challenges, and innovation. Darcy and Darcy find out how that trip changed his ag and water policy perspectives, if at all, and hear firsthand a…

What the heck is it and where did it come from? – For quite some time Darcy B has brought up PFAS on a few different episodes. Darcy V wanted to learn more, so he takes the lead and interviews Darcy B on the PFAS family, its concentration in everyday items, its impact, the cost, and why it is important. Send us a text We Grow California Podcast is …

Lots has happened over the last few months, including feedback from you! Darcy and Darcy are back in the studio answering your questions and discussing your comments. Tune-in and see what these two have been up to and what they have to say. Send us a text We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Co…

In this episode, Mike Montna, the Tomato Growers Association’s (CTGA) President and Chief Executive Officer joins Darcy and Darcy. Formed in 1947, the CTGA is involved in every phase of the state’s processing tomato industry. Mike shares some insight on tomato products, production, water supply impacts on tomato-growing families, and what this year…

Darcy and Darcy welcome Greg Pruett, Ingomar Packing company’s ’s Sales and Energy Manager. Ingomar and piloted a condensate water capture project. Working with Botanica Water Technologies, Ingomar’s pilot program produced enough drinking water for 34 California households. Listen in and learn more about this innovative program and its potential! S…

Join Darcy and Darcy as they welcome Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s new Chairman of the Board, Adán Ortega. Serving as the first Latino Chairman, the first Chairman representing the City of San Fernando, and the first former Metropolitan Water District employee to serve as Chairman, it appears Adán has been preparing for this …

Believe it or not! Instead of Darcy versus Darcy, or DvD, in this We Grow California episode, “The Darcys” are on the same side. Darcy and Darcy discuss the land fallowing benefits including incentives, community impacts, and the bottom line. If you farm, eat, or are concerned about California AG, fallowing is part of today’s water management conve…

For decades now, Almond Growers have been labeled California’s “bad guys.” Meet Aubrey Bettencourt, President, and CEO of the Almond Alliance of California. In just over a year, Aubrey has successfully addressed supply chain challenges, land fallowing options, and more. Listen in as Darcy and Darcy welcome Aubrey into the studio. Send us a text We …

Environmental restoration is a hot topic, especially in dry years. Significant investments have been earmarked for these types of projects, however, what are the metrics of success? Julie Rentner, President of River Partners, a non-profit that restores rivers through farm management, shares with us their unique approach, their successes, and how th…

Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the country. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Jose Gutierrez, their newly announced Interim General Manager. Jose provides a great overview of Westlands water supply portfolio, water rights, and the agency in general. Jose discusses Westland’s water supply challe…

It’s January 2023, and California is enjoying record snowpack and rain. So, what’s the Exchange Contractor’s water supply forecast? Join us as we welcome Chris White, Executive Director for the Exchange Contractors. He’s back to discuss how the 2022 water year went and offers a 2023 water preview. Chris will also be the featured speaker at the next…