Episode Title:
“Securing Our Water Future: Management, Financing, and Affordability in the American West”

Episode Summary:
Join host Shane Silsby on The Public Works Podcast as he interviews Dr. Kathryn Sorensen, Director of Research at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University. Dr. Sorensen shares her expertise on water management, the challenges facing the Colorado River, groundwater sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and strategies for keeping water affordable and accessible. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of water in the American West and beyond.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background
01:32 – Kathryn’s Career Journey in Water Policy
03:55 – The Importance of Water in the American West
05:23 – Colorado River: Challenges & Over-Allocation
08:01 – States, Tribes, and Mexico: Who Shares the Colorado River?
10:24 – Agriculture vs. Urban Water Use
12:41 – Government Roles: Federal, State, Local, and Tribal
15:04 – Federal Funding & Drought Mitigation
17:00 – Can We Increase Water Supply? (Desal, Cloud Seeding, Reuse)
19:52 – Groundwater: Arizona’s Approach & National Lessons
23:50 – Protecting Aquifers & Water Rights
26:47 – Infrastructure: Aging Systems & Modernization Priorities
29:59 – Financing Water Projects: Rates, Bonds, and Partnerships
4:17 – Affordability & Rate Structures
37:00 – Innovations in Water Management
39:00 – What Gives Kathryn Hope for the Future
41:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing

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The Public Works Podcast: Kathryn Sorensen Episode