Last century’s approach to water management was based on controlling nature, a fragmented infrastructure system, and general sense there was plenty of water. But the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century have spurred a transition to a water management approach revolving around circularity, scarcity, and nature itself. The past, present, and future are discussed in this episode with Newsha Ajami, the Director of Urban Water Policy at Water in the West at Stanford University and a Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Newsha explains that she is optimistic because of the rise of nature-based infrastructure, more integration and innovation in water systems, and increased public awareness and behavior change.