The Public Works Podcast: Kathryn Sorensen Episode

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 Background01:32 – Kathryn’s Career Journey in Water Policy03:55 – The Importance of Water in the American West05:23 – Colorado River: Challenges & Over-Allocation08:01 – States, Tribes, and Mexico: Who Shares the Colorado River?10:24 – Agriculture vs. Urban Water Use12:41 – Government Roles: Federal, State, Local, and Tribal15:04 – Federal Funding & Drought Mitigation17:00 – Can We Increase Water Supply? (Desal, Cloud Seeding, Reuse)19:52 – Groundwater: Arizona’s Approach & National Lessons23:50 – Protecting Aquifers & Water Rights26:47 – Infrastructure: Aging Systems & Modernization Priorities29:59 – Financing Water Projects: Rates, Bonds, and Partnerships4:17 – Affordability & Rate Structures37:00 – Innovations in Water Management39:00 – What Gives Kathryn Hope for the Future41:00 – Final Thoughts & ClosingStay in touch: Follow 👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to support The Public Works Podcast and help us highlight the people shaping better communities!For more episodes and resources, visit www.thepublicworkspodcast.com. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your colleagues!#PublicWorks #LeadersSpeak #Infrastructure #Engineering #TPWP #WATER