Pros Or Cons Toward Desalinization In OC?

SEAL BEACH, CA — A Huntington Beach desalinization proposal is still in the works, and according to the group, "Poseidon is committed to powering, building and operating the Huntington Beach desalination facility in the most environmentally beneficial way possible — along with bringing significant economic benefits to the region and the state," a Wednesday statement from Poseidon Water Vice President Scott Maloni said. "We are taking unprecedented steps to protect California's environment and ensure the project is 100% carbon-neutral and that it is the most energy-efficient large-scale desalination facility in the world."

But is that the case? Nicole Lampe, of Resource Media group says no in a recent press release. Weigh in your thoughts.

While paid lobbyist Barbara Boxer continues to push Poseidon’s unnecessary and irresponsible Huntington Beach desalination proposal, the plant’s critics are reiterating their objection to its outsized cost and energy demands, as well as the harm it will inflict on Orange County’s coastal ocean, at a time when the county has enough water to meet long-term needs. They are also fact-checking the false promises Poseidon and its lobbyists are making.

Scientists, researchers and lawmakers agree that desalination should be an option of last resort. They recommend that communities prioritize cheaper and more energy-efficient solutions, such as conservation, efficiency, stormwater capture and recycled water. Orange County’s water recycling plant produces twice the water of Poseidon’s proposed desalination plant for a fraction of the cost, and it’s currently being expanded. More than 25 environmental and equity groups have urged the State Lands Commission to reject the plant. Below is a snapshot of quotes from water experts and advocates:

“Fortunately, we can meet long-term needs without resorting to billion-dollar boondoggles like the proposed Huntington Beach desalination plant… We don’t need their costly water. It’s a bad deal, and we have better alternatives,” wrote Terry Tamminen of Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in the Sacramento Bee.

“Let’s tackle the cheaper, most cost-effective things first: improving water-use efficiency, expanding water reuse and capturing more storm water. If we do the right things in the right order, we can avoid spending billions on what ultimately could be an expensive white elephant,” wroteHeather Cooley of the Pacific Institute in the Sacramento Bee.

“We cannot rely on ocean desalination to meaningfully reduce the stress on freshwater ecosystems, particularly the Bay Delta and its tributaries, the heart of California’s water supply,” wrote Leon Szeptycki and Dr. Newsha Ajami of Stanford University’s Water in the West program in the Mercury News.

“While Poseidon has spent millions trying to sell its desalination cash cows, many communities have forged ahead with smart water supply solutions that save money and energy… Hard working ratepayers in Orange County should not have to foot the bill for this billion dollar boondoggle,” wrote Marcela Gutierrez-Graudins of Azul in the Sacramento Bee.

“So far, the [Poseidon Carlsbad desalination] plant has not been as reliable as promised. Over the last year, the privately owned plant failed to deliver nearly a fifth of the water the San Diego County Water Authority ordered from it,” reports Ry Rivard for Voice of San Diego.

“The average price per acre-foot of water produced by seawater desalination is four to eight times higher than alternative sources... Desalinating water uses more energy, per unit of water, than any other source,” warns an NRDC report.
“Desalination should be used as an option of last resort,” reads a report by the California State Assembly Select Committee on Water Consumption and Alternative Sources. The same report recommends that the state invest first in projects that “reduce greenhouse gases, improve storage capacity in a warm climate, and are not at risk due to sea level rise.”

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