Edith de Guzman, shown pouring water, will participate in a panel discussion of Los Angeles water. The discussion will be followed by a blind water tasting. Photo by Shanley Kellis

Communities in Los Angeles and around California face a variety of water challenges ranging from access to clean, affordable water to water supplies threatened by a changing climate.

The public is invited to a free event featuring a panel discussion of the past, present and future of Los Angeles water. The water discussion will be part of the closing reception for the art exhibit “What's On Tap: LA's Water Story…Source to Spigot” at El Tranquilo Gallery in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 29.

“I hope that people come away understanding that our relationship to and stewardship of water in LA is not only a critical part of our past history, but essential to determining our region's future as well,” said Edith B. de Guzman, UC Cooperative Extension specialist for water equity and adaptation policy with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation.

“I hope that people come away understanding that our relationship to and stewardship of water in LA is not only a critical part of our past history, but essential to determining our region's future as well,” said de Guzman.

The panel will be moderated by UCLA Public Policy Professor Megan Mullin. Panelists will include de Guzman; Amanda Begley, watershed senior program manager for TreePeople; Conner Everts, facilitator for the Environmental Water Caucus, executive director of the Southern California Watershed Alliance, and co-chair of the Desal Response Group; and Mark Gold, director of water scarcity solutions for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The discussion will be followed by a blind water tasting. Participants will be able to taste how the flavors of three brands of bottled water compare with each other and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power tap water.

“Thus far, many people have chosen LADWP tap as their favorite  compared to the bottled brands,” de Guzman said. “So another hope I have is that people will come away with greater appreciation and trust of tap water.”

Jolly de Guzman, left, and Edith curated the art exhibit, which highlights five distinct water themes that affect Southern California communities – local water, imported water, tap trust, human right to water and affordability. Photo by Shanley Kellis

The art exhibit, curated by Edith and Jolly de Guzman, highlights five distinct water themes that affect Southern California communities – local water, imported water, tap trust, human right to water and affordability.

The Zanja Madre, a Spanish-era aqueduct that moved water from the Los Angeles River to the pueblo of Los Angeles between 1781 and 1904, once ran past the gallery location.

The “What's On Tap: LA's Water Story…Source to Spigot” exhibit will be open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29, with the closing reception 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, at El Tranquilo Gallery, W-19 Olvera Street, Los Angeles 90012. The panel discussion will begin at 4 p.m. The reception will include live music by Shoshana Ben-Horin.