Boiling Point: Reporting the Truth About Water in California
Hosted by Sammy Roth, LA Times Studios
Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In the March 6, 2025 episode of "Boiling Point," host Sammy Roth delves into the intricate and contentious issue of water management in California, particularly in the wake of devastating wildfires. Joined by esteemed water reporter Ian James, the discussion unpacks the challenges California faces in balancing water distribution between urban areas and agriculture, the political maneuvers influencing water policies, and the overarching impact of climate change on the state’s water systems.

Hosts' Background and Collaboration

Sammy Roth introduces Ian James, highlighting their longstanding professional relationship and James's exemplary reporting on water-related issues in California. Reflecting on their early days at the Desert Sun newspaper in Palm Springs, Sammy commends Ian's expertise and dedication:

Sammy Roth [00:28]: "Just listening to Ian interview scientists on the phone and getting to go out in the desert with him to report stories together, it was the best journalism education that I could have asked for."

This mutual respect sets the stage for a deep and insightful conversation about California’s water crisis.

President Trump's Misrepresentation of Water Management

A significant portion of the episode addresses President Trump’s controversial claims during the Southern California wildfires. Trump alleged that the military had "entered California and turned on the water" to combat the fires, suggesting a solution that didn’t align with reality. Sammy scrutinizes these claims through Ian’s investigative reporting:

Ian James [02:11]: "The water never made it to LA. The water never got anywhere close. The whole thing was just a publicity stunt."

This assertion was further examined during a congressional oversight hearing where Congressman Mike Levin challenged the Army Corps of Engineers’ Lieutenant General about the water releases. The exchange revealed the disconnection between Trump’s statements and the actual effectiveness of the water management efforts:

Lieutenant General [02:33]: "I don't know what happens to the water once we release it from the dams... It was released and lost in a dry lake bed."

Sammy emphasizes the critical role of journalism in uncovering these truths:

Ian James [03:07]: "This is why journalism matters. This is why facts matter."

California's Water Infrastructure: Central Valley Project vs. State Water Project

Sammy and Ian delve into the complexities of California’s dual water systems: the federally operated Central Valley Project and the state-managed State Water Project. These "superhighways of water" transport water from Northern California's delta to the arid Central and Southern regions. However, this system has been a source of perpetual conflict:

Sammy Roth [14:03]: "They've been a source of perpetual conflict because agriculture and cities depend on this water... tensions between farmers, agricultural irrigation districts, and environmental groups."

The episode highlights the contentious balance between fulfilling agricultural needs and protecting endangered species, particularly the Delta smelt, which has become a political focal point:

Sammy Roth [15:26]: "The Delta smelt has become a real political punching bag in all of this."

Impact of Political Decisions on Water Management

The conversation shifts to the implications of the Trump administration's approach to water management. Despite President Trump’s promises to maximize water delivery, the actual outcomes fell short of expectations. For instance, additional water released from federally operated dams in the San Joaquin Valley did not benefit Los Angeles but instead percolated into agricultural groundwater:

Sammy Roth [10:42]: "That water did not make its way to urban Southern California. It ran down into the farming areas of the San Joaquin Valley."

This mismanagement not only failed to address the immediate wildfire crisis but also strained relationships with local farmers who had relied on these water resources.

Federal and State Collaboration Challenges

The episode explores the strained relationship between federal and state water managers under the Trump administration. While both entities have overlapping interests, such as the construction of new reservoirs and raising existing dams, coordination has faltered:

Sammy Roth [21:23]: "The state and the federal government certainly might find some areas to collaborate on... But that does not seem to be the way things are going."

The uncertainty surrounding federal commitments raises concerns about the reliability of future water management policies and the potential for increased litigation and conflict.

Parallels with the Colorado River Management

Sammy draws parallels between California’s water issues and the broader challenges faced in managing the Colorado River, another critical water source for millions in the western United States. Both systems suffer from over-extraction and reduced water levels due to prolonged droughts and climate change:

Sammy Roth [24:33]: "The Colorado River is not in good shape... the states have been struggling to hash out how can they deal with just a river that's not delivering anywhere near what it used to."

The discussion underscores the necessity of federal involvement in orchestrating cooperative agreements among the seven states that rely on the Colorado River.

Wildfires, Water System Limitations, and Climate Change

A focal point of the episode is the relationship between California’s aging water infrastructure, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, and the exacerbating effects of climate change. Sammy and Ian discuss how insufficient water pressure and storage capacity hinder effective firefighting efforts:

Sammy Roth [27:32]: "The water system is simply not built to withstand, to put it out."

Climate change intensifies this issue by creating drier conditions and higher temperatures, contributing to more severe wildfires. A UCLA study cited in the podcast attributes the heightened fire intensity to both natural weather variations and anthropogenic climate factors:

Sammy Roth [29:34]: "Higher temperatures driven by climate change... increased the intensity, basically made the fires that much more destructive and that much bigger."

Future Directions and Solutions

Looking ahead, Sammy and Ian explore potential strategies for improving California’s resilience against wildfires and managing water resources more effectively. Discussions include:

• Enhancing Local Water Storage: Increasing local reservoirs and improving hydrant systems to provide better support during fire emergencies.

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernizing water delivery systems to handle extreme conditions brought about by climate change.

• Collaborative Management: Fostering better cooperation between state and federal agencies to ensure coherent water management policies.

Sammy concludes with a call to prioritize science-based decision-making over political rhetoric:

Sammy Roth [32:21]: "We can do better both in terms of fire and water, if we as a society are listening to the scientists and the science and looking at how we can adapt."

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles with water management in California, emphasizing the critical need for informed journalism and transparent governance. Ian James leaves listeners with a crucial update on the state of California’s snowpack, underscoring the subtle yet significant impacts of climate change:

Ian James [33:20]: "Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada was at 85% of average for this time of year... if not for climate change, there's a chance it might be even better."

Sammy thanks Ian for his invaluable contributions and reiterates the importance of understanding the true dynamics of California’s water issues beyond political misrepresentations.

Notable Quotes:

• Sammy Roth [00:28]: "Just listening to Ian interview scientists on the phone and getting to go out in the desert with him to report stories together, it was the best journalism education that I could have asked for."

• Ian James [02:11]: "The water never made it to LA. The water never got anywhere close. The whole thing was just a publicity stunt."

• Sammy Roth [15:26]: "The Delta smelt has become a real political punching bag in all of this."

• Sammy Roth [29:34]: "Higher temperatures driven by climate change... increased the intensity, basically made the fires that much more destructive and that much bigger."

• Sammy Roth [32:21]: "We can do better both in terms of fire and water, if we as a society are listening to the scientists and the science and looking at how we can adapt."

• Ian James [33:20]: "Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada was at 85% of average for this time of year... if not for climate change, there's a chance it might be even better."

This comprehensive episode of "Boiling Point" sheds light on the multifaceted water crisis in California, highlighting the interplay between political actions, environmental stewardship, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the face of escalating climate change impacts.