Difference between revisions of "Desalination in California's Central Coast Region"

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==Main Issues==
 
==Main Issues==
 
===Energy Consumption===
 
===Energy Consumption===
 +
Proposed desalination technologies for the Central Coast are energy intensive. Desalination plants use about 15,000 kWh per million gallons of water produced, on average <ref> Key Issues for Seawater Desalination in California http://pacinst.org//wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2013/05/desal-energy-ghg-full-report.pdf </ref>
  
 
===Rate Increase===
 
===Rate Increase===

Revision as of 21:19, 2 April 2014

Summary

Desalination is being considered as an alternative supply for water in Central California. In 2009, the California State Water Resources Control Board issued a Cease and Desist Order, requiring CalAm to reduce its pumping from the Carmel River by 70% by 2016 [1]. The Carmel River is the primary water source for the region, therefore, a significant water supply alternative is needed. The central coast also relies heavily on groundwater supplies. However, problems with seawater intrusion make this a not sustainable alternative. As a result, many proposals for desalination facilities have been submitted as a possible solution to the water gap.

Facilities in the Central Coast

Existing

Proposed

Main Issues

Energy Consumption

Proposed desalination technologies for the Central Coast are energy intensive. Desalination plants use about 15,000 kWh per million gallons of water produced, on average [4]

Rate Increase

Given the high construction and energy costs of desalination facilities, customer water bills are expected to increase as a result of desalination. For example, a typical customer should expect their water bills to increase by approximately 40% by 2018 with the approval of the proposed Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project [5].


Regulatory Agencies

Federal

State

Local and Regional

Science

References

  1. http://www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us/CDO/FinalCDOPage.htm
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://montereybay.noaa.gov/resourcepro/resmanissues/pdf/110806desal_final.pdf
  3. City of Santa Cruz Water Department Desalination Project http://www.scwd2desal.org/
  4. Key Issues for Seawater Desalination in California http://pacinst.org//wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2013/05/desal-energy-ghg-full-report.pdf
  5. http://www.amwater.com/caaw/customer-service/rates-information/regional-desalination-project.html

Links

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.