Seawater and brackish groundwater desalination projects have the potential to play a critical role in the state’s water supply mix. ACWA’s Blueprint recommends that state and federal agencies work with local agencies to develop desalination by providing support and resources for needed research, streamlining and coordinating the approval process for projects, and exploring ways to allow desalination projects to take advantage of non-retail power rates.

Background

Once dismissed as too costly, desalination has re-emerged as a viable element in California’s mix of water management strategies. Thanks to technological advances that have reduced energy and cost requirements, desalination of both seawater and brackish groundwater is expected to play a greater role in several areas of the state in the near future.

Many local agencies and communities see desalination as a way to develop a local, reliable source of water to help “drought proof” their region, reduce their dependence on imported water, meet future demands, offset water lost from other sources, reduce groundwater overdraft, and make otherwise unusable groundwater available for local use.

Desalination is not without its challenges, however. Impediments include infrastructure costs and permitting issues associated with disposing of the concentrated brine left over from the desalination process. ACWA believes the state should provide funding resources and support to local agencies to develop environmentally acceptable means to resolve this issue and allow these much needed projects to move forward.

ACWA’s Recommendations

ACWA recommends the state take several actions to support development of seawater and brackish groundwater desalination:

• Provide funding for research and development projects.

• Identify and coordinate the roles of regulatory agencies involved in permitting desalination projects.

• Create mechanisms to share research and operational data on desalination.

• Explore ways to allow desalination projects to take advantage of non-retail power rates.

• Allow individual communities to consider what role, if any, is appropriate for private companies in developing local and regional desalination projects.

Other Blueprint Recommendations

In addition to the desalination measures, ACWA recommends that state and federal leaders take a number of actions to ensure California can meet its future water needs.

• Improve the existing Delta water conveyance system to increase flexibility and enhance water supply, water quality, levee stability and environmental protection in the near term.

• Evaluate long-term threats to the Delta levee and conveyance system and pursue actions to reduce risks to the state’s water supply and the environment.

• Ensure delivery of adequate Colorado River supplies for Southern California and defend California’s rights on the Colorado River.

• Implement and fund the Sacramento Valley Water Management Program.

• Develop additional groundwater and surface water storage, including proposed surface storage projects now under study if they are determined to be feasible.

• Support and fund local efforts to expand recycled water use and implement best management practices for urban and agricultural water use efficiency.

• Improve the quality of California’s drinking water supplies to safeguard public health and enhance water quality for agriculture and the environment.

• Modernize the federal Endangered Species Act and other laws and regulations to allow water-related projects to proceed while protecting species and their habitats.

• Expedite the approval process for voluntary water transfers.

• Clarify and expand the state’s role in flood control and promote multi-benefit flood control projects.

• Support integrated regional water management plans.

About the Blueprint

ACWA’s Blueprint reflects extensive input from hundreds of public water agencies charged with delivering water to cities, farms and communities throughout the state. In addition to the recommended actions, the Blueprint includes a detailed discussion of pressing regional needs and actions to help address them. For more on the Blueprint, see www.acwa.com.