We Need Water
Even though it rains a lot in the Pacific Northwest, water isn’t as plentiful as it may seem. Join Michael Brent of Cascade Water Alliance as he dives deep discussing today’s most pressing water issues in King County, Washington and beyond from water quality, to sustainable landscaping, to climate change, and the future of our water. Monthly episodes will educate and help homeowners, gardeners, teachers, and students feel empowered to preserve water. Water is a resource we all need and you can help; you are the key to Washington’s water future. The We Need Water Podcast is brought to you by Cascade Water Alliance. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @weneedH20. More info at CascadeWater.org.
We Need Water
Lessons From the First Drop: Michael Brent on 21 Years with Cascade Water Alliance
In this special episode of We Need Water, we mark the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter.
Cascade’s new Water Efficiency Manager, James Amspacher, sits down with retiring conservation pioneer and longtime We Need Water host, Michael Brent. Together, they reflect on Michael's two-decade journey at Cascade, from the early days of regional water planning to building a water conservation program from the ground up.
With honesty, humor, and heart, Mike shares:
- What it was like working at Cascade when it first formed
- How he developed a program that now saves millions of gallons of water each year
- How public attitudes and conservation strategies have evolved
- What every Pacific Northwest resident should understand about their water future
Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the legacy of someone who helped shape how we value water in our region. Tune in to hear the story!
Michael Brent served as the Water Resource Manager for Cascade Water Alliance from 2004-2025. Cascade Water Alliance is a municipal water supplier providing clean, safe drinking water to more than 400,000 people in King County, Washington.
Learn more about Cascade Water Alliance’s We Need Water Program
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @weneedh20
Watch the episode on Youtube
