California`S Droughts And Desalination In Context
Introduction
Over the last four years, California has experienced some of the driest and hottest periods on record,1 resulting in extreme drought conditions across virtually the entire state.2 As scientists predict a hotter and drier future for California, some
observers question whether California’s water shortage can be solved through seawater desalination. The question has
become even more pertinent after California passed the Proposition 1 relief package (Water Bond, Assembly Bill 1471),
which provides $7.545 billion for new water projects and allocates $100 million for desalination. The funds have not been
distributed yet but could finance brackish groundwater, brackish surface water, and/or seawater desalination plants as pilot
or full-scale projects.3 As California considers desalination plants, we recommend the state proceed with caution.
California`S Droughts And Desalination In Context
Introduction
Over the last four years, California has experienced some of the driest and hottest periods on record,1 resulting in extreme drought conditions across virtually the entire state.2 As scientists predict a hotter and drier future for California, some
observers question whether California’s water shortage can be solved through seawater desalination. The question has
become even more pertinent after California passed the Proposition 1 relief package (Water Bond, Assembly Bill 1471),
which provides $7.545 billion for new water projects and allocates $100 million for desalination. The funds have not been
distributed yet but could finance brackish groundwater, brackish surface water, and/or seawater desalination plants as pilot
or full-scale projects.3 As California considers desalination plants, we recommend the state proceed with caution.
