Full Circle Podcast – Season 3, Episode 2

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, host Steven Baird speaks with Ana Schwab, lobbyist with Best Best & Krieger, about the critical role of federal and state advocacy in advancing the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes-Triunfo.

Ana shares her journey from Capitol Hill to specializing in water policy, explaining how understanding California’s complex water systems requires patience, coalition-building, and strong partnerships. The conversation explores:

• How federal agencies like the EPA, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers influence California’s water supply.

• The importance of congressional relationships and coalition-building to secure funding and regulatory support.

• The challenge of navigating shifting political landscapes while ensuring long-term water reliability.

• How federal regulations on PFAS and other contaminants impact local water agencies, and the need for funding to help agencies meet new standards.

• Why the Pure Water Project stands out—delivering local supply, watershed protection, and regional benefits that resonate with regulators and funding agencies.

Ana emphasizes the need to modernize water infrastructure, expand storage and conveyance, and streamline regulations to avoid costly delays. The episode highlights how advocacy, collaboration, and persistence are essential to ensuring safe, sustainable water for the region