In 2012, the state of California declared water a human right. Yet nearly 400 water systems don't meet the state's drinking water standards. In the Central Valley, the community of East Orosi hasn't had safe tap water in over 20 years. The water is full of harmful nitrates and other runoff from industrial agriculture. We visit East Orosi and talk to Berta Diaz Ochoa and others about what it's like living without access to clean drinking water and how the community has taken action to find a solution. This episode originally aired in July 2024.

Credits:

**Making Contact Credits**

Episode host and producer: Salima Hamirani

Producers: Anita Johnson, Salima Hamirani, Amy Gastelum, and Lucy Kang

Executive Director: Jina Chung

Engineer: [Jeff Emtman](http://www.jeffemtman.com/)

Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain

Voiceovers

- Amy Gastelum

- Bobbi James

- Ana Portnoy Brimmer

- Alex Corey

Music Credits:

- Komiku – Blue

- Monet's Water Lilies

- Dark Rainy Day

- Water Drops, Sad Slow Piano Background

- Mother Womb piano

- Guracha Sonidera Cumbia Loops De Bateria Series II

Learn More:

Making Contact homepage: www.focmedia.org

Community Water Center

Self Help Enterprises

State Water Resources Control Board

Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.