Ten Years of Connection: Reflections on the California Water Data Summit

A Note From CalWEP Deputy Director Melissa Matlock

This year marked the 10th Anniversary of the California Water Data Summit, and I’ve been lucky enough to attend probably 8 of them. Each year has its own energy, its own “aha” moments, and its own set of inside jokes that only those in the room will ever truly get (yes, I’m looking at you: “Talk nerdy to me”).

I still remember hosting a panel during the remote, virtual-COVID era (pre-CalWEP days for me) when we were all just trying to keep the conversation alive through screens. Even then, what carried through was the same thing that carried through this year: connection, collaboration, and the data science minds that feed my soul.

This year was no different — and maybe even more special — because it was my first time attending in my new role at CalWEP. Experiencing the Summit from this perspective gave me a renewed appreciation for the statewide community that’s driving data innovation. It wasn’t just about listening in — it was about feeling part of the collective energy, the shared problem-solving, and the momentum we’re building together. Being at CalWEP now makes these conversations land differently: deeper, more connected, and more hopeful for the future we’re working toward.

CalWEP at the Summit:

CalWEP had a strong presence throughout the event:

We hosted the 5th session in our Charting the Course series, helping water suppliers navigate the Urban Water Use Objective reporting. These sessions aren’t just technical workshops; they’re about demystifying new requirements and helping agencies feel supported and ready.
Our very own Tia Fleming closed out the Summit with a powerful talk on data-driven legislation and the new frontier — a reminder that data doesn’t just sit in spreadsheets, it drives the policies shaping California’s water future.

A Decade of Partnership with CaDC

It’s impossible to reflect on the Summit without recognizing the partnership between CalWEP and CaDC that has grown over the years. Together, we’ve rolled up our sleeves on:

Events and trainings that bring people together to learn, connect, and apply data in meaningful ways.
Technical comment letters that ensure the voice of water efficiency is heard in regulatory processes.
DIM feasibility studies and other deep-dive analyses that help agencies understand their options and chart paths forward.
Development of tools and resources that turn abstract policy and technical requirements into practical, usable guidance.

And most recently, we’ve been partnering heavily on data streamlining efforts — an initiative CalWEP is proud to be leading in collaboration with CaDC, ACWA, and California Water Data Consortium. The need for better, cleaner, and more consistent data reporting has been a drumbeat in our sector for years, and it’s exciting to see momentum building around this effort.

The Power of People and Data

Ten years of the Summit has shown me one constant: data connects us. It grounds us in facts, pushes us toward solutions, and sparks collaborations that ripple far beyond the conference walls.

But more than data, it’s the people. The brilliant women and men who come together to wrestle with hard problems, share wins (and fails), and occasionally give us inside jokes to last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead

Walking away from the 10th Anniversary Summit, I felt grateful — for the community, for the work ahead, and for the chance to keep learning from this incredible network. If the past decade has taught us anything, it’s that the water sector knows how to innovate, adapt, and maybe even laugh a little along the way.

Here’s to the next ten years of connection, collaboration, and yes — more nerdy data jokes.

With gratitude,

Melissa

Ten Years of Connection: Reflections on the California Water Data Summit

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