What if Tehachapi once had a path to true water independence? In this episode of Follow the Water, we uncover the story of the IPR project—a long-planned, state-approved solution that promised stability and sustainability for Tehachapi's water. Former Development Services Director Jay Schlosser walks us through how the project worked, why it mattered, and how political gridlock and shifting decisions ultimately stopped it in its tracks.

Narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director.
Written, produced, and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist. Featuring interviews and insights from Jay Schlosser, Executive Director of the Kern Council of Governments

In this episode of "Follow the Water," we highlight your local water provider, and if you live in Tehachapi proper, that's the City of Tehachapi's Water Department.

Join us as Public Works Director Tyler Napier explains how the department maintains the city's water infrastructure, manages conservation efforts, and upholds its commitment to responsible water stewardship. You'll also hear from JR Aguirre, Water Division Supervisor, on the hands-on work that keeps our community's most essential resource moving.

Narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director.
Written, produced, and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist.
Featuring interviews and insights from Tyler Napier and JR Aguirre of the City of Tehachapi's Public Works Department.

Have you ever wondered who owns the water that comes out of your tap? In this episode of "Follow the Water," we're breaking down important terms you'll need to know as we continue our story. We explain what exactly an "acre-foot" is, what water rights are, and the complicated nature of water banking.

For more information about Tehachapi's water, visit: https://liveuptehachapi.com/553/Tehachapis-Water

This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Tehachapi.

Information and interviews are provided by Don Marsh, Development Services Director for the City of Tehachapi and the California Department of Water Resources.

In this episode of Follow the Water, we explore who manages the region's water. We'll learn about the adjudication of the basins, what a "watermaster" is, and explain TCCWD's ad valorem tax.

For more information about Tehachapi's water, visit: https://liveuptehachapi.com/553/Tehachapis-Water

This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Tehachapi.

Information and interviews are provided by Jon Hammond, local historian and journalist, Don Marsh, Development Services Director for the City of Tehachapi, and Jay Schlosser, Executive Director of the Kern Council of Governments.

In the first episode of our series, "Follow the Water," we explore the details and processes behind where your water comes from.
This episode focuses on helping you understand three key concepts:
- What native water is
- What State Water Project (SWP) water is
- The difference between Municipal & Industrial (M&I) and agricultural uses of SWP water

For more information about Tehachapi's water, visit: https://liveuptehachapi.com/553/Tehachapis-Water

This series is narrated by Key Budge, Community Engagement Director for the City of Tehachapi, and produced and edited by Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Tehachapi.

Information and interviews are provided by Don Marsh, Development Services Director for the City of Tehachapi.

Additional sources include the California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Water sustains Tehachapi — but behind every faucet lies a deeper story. Follow the Water explores the City's dispute with TCCWD, uncovering how outside decisions impact local residents, agriculture, and our shared future.

Get the facts. Hear the voices. Decide for yourself.

Stay tuned for the podcast series -- coming soon!

Learn more at: https://liveuptehachapi.com/553/Tehachapis-Water

Questions? Email us: media@tehachapicityhall.com