Aug 21, 2025 — Aram Benyamin: Water Resources

Bulletin for August 21, 2025

Featured Speaker: Aram Benyamin

Water Resource Management: Colorado Springs, Los Angeles, and the Future of Water Sufficiency

OPENING

The meeting began with a prayer led by Benny and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Paula. Guest John Cox was introduced.

"Believe in yourself, set reasonable goals, and love God and your parents. If you fall or fail, get up and never give up."

— Jay R. Vargas, United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming Off-site: Peak News Studio — September 18

We will have an off-site gathering on Thursday, September 18 from 10–11:30 AM at Peak News Studio at Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus (formerly Wasson High School), 2115 Afton Way. Paula has worked with the school on an ethics in journalism project. Chaim Goldman, Executive Producer and Host of The Watchman , will be there for a tour and Q&A with students.

Harrison School Field Trip

We are also planning a field trip to Harrison School District this fall for a Thursday lunch with students.

Remembrances

Walt reminisced about Pete — 'an outrageously fun and entertaining man, 82 years old in age but decades younger in spirit.' Walt reminded the group: 'The power to do increases by doing' — a quote from Schwarzenegger's Power to Be Useful .

Board Meeting

The board will meet Thursday at 4:30 PM at Wayfair Bank.

KEYNOTE: WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SUFFICIENCY

Aram Benyamin is the former CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities and former Chief Operating Officer at LA Water & Power. He provided a deep and practical look at what water sufficiency actually requires.

The Complexity of Water Sufficiency

Water sufficiency is a multi-faceted challenge requiring integrated planning, accurate data, and efficient use of resources. Unified assumptions across all utility planning documents — and regular review of outcomes — are critical for effective management. Factors include water rights, storage capacity, infrastructure condition, and usage efficiency.

• LA manages 12,000 units of water for approximately 4 million people

• 600,000 gallons was cited as a calculation example for flow rate

• Secondary water use at 3,000 gallons was discussed as part of efficiency planning

Key Principles

• Accurate, unified assumptions across all planning documents prevent costly misalignment

• Regular outcome reviews catch planning drift early

• Infrastructure investment must keep pace with population growth and climate variability

• Water rights — especially in the West — are foundational to long-term sufficiency

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