Ted and David have a substantive discussion ranging from the roots of his environmental passion in Tehran, Iran as a child, to his long standing and official role as a Member of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. He’s been appointed by four governors to this position. A division of Cal EPA, the Board is responsible for potable water, non-drinking water, stormwater, ocean waters and more throughout the region made up of 99 cities.

The current three-year drought is a big part of the conversation. David discusses the drought and its motivating effect as water supplies become scarce and more costly. This drives opportunities for local leadership and investments in efficient water use and reclamation. He salutes Orange County’s wastewater reclamation. And while Los Angeles may not zero-out imports of water, the region is now squarely on a trajectory to lead the nation in managing water resources now further threatened by climate change.