Desalination project near Doheny State Beach receives approval for changes, resulting in extended timeline.
The California Coastal Commission convened on October 7 to discuss significant modifications to a proposed ocean desalination project near Doheny State Beach, intended to bolster drinking water resources for South Orange County. These changes have been approved and aim to relocate slant wells responsible for sourcing seawater from subsurface intakes to the northern day-use area of the beach, distancing them from the existing campgrounds.
This desalination initiative is poised to create a sustainable local water supply by significantly reducing reliance on imported water. The South Coast Water District (SCWD) anticipates a production capacity of up to 5 million gallons of potable water per day, utilizing a pioneering system that would mark a first for the state. The proposed facility will be strategically situated at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Stonehill Drive, within proximity—approximately 100 yards—of existing regional water transmission lines. SCWD owns the property slated for the plant, suggesting substantial infrastructure is already in place to support the new endeavor.
During the meeting, water district officials also outlined the project’s financial framework and timeline, noting that recent delays have postponed critical next steps from this fall to 2024. If all approvals are secured next year, the desalination system could potentially be operational by 2030. Currently, the anticipated total cost of the project stands at approximately 6 million, which encompasses final design and construction expenses.
The delays stem partly from the district’s pursuit of a million federal grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which could significantly defray project costs. This potential funding has led associated agencies to hold off on financial commitments until a decision is made early next year. SCWD officials expressed optimism that a more favorable cost structure for water units could emerge if the grant is approved, reflecting on the transformative impact this could have on overall project viability.
In previous approvals, the cost was projected at 0 million in 2022, before rising to 6 million earlier this year. The latest increase includes a million allocation for an onsite power generator leveraging solar energy, a decision aimed at enhancing long-term sustainability and cost savings. Concerns regarding the potential impacts of upcoming winter storms have also contributed to the project’s timeline adjustments, as portions of the construction zone are located close to the beach.
Annual operating costs for the desalination system are expected to start at million, covering necessary expenses such as power, labor, materials, and chemicals. SCWD has not yet issued monthly cost projections for average households, though they affirmed that any rate changes would follow a public Prop 218 process, ensuring community input.
The operational design, which involves using slant wells to reduce ecological impact, aims to address environmental concerns tied to traditional desalination methods. Notably, the resulting brine from the desalination process will be combined with treated wastewater and discharged at a considerable distance offshore, further mitigating risks to local marine life.
Dating back to 2004, the idea of utilizing ocean water for potable supply has undergone various phases of planning and development. This project ultimately seeks to provide South Orange County residents with a dependable water source—an important consideration as 90 percent of the region’s water is currently imported from external sources. By establishing a local water supply, SCWD hopes to significantly enhance the area’s resilience in the face of potential supply disruptions.
The California State Lands Commission will further evaluate the recent modifications on October 21, with a broader assessment expected from the Regional Water Quality Control Board in early 2027. If the project receives the necessary approvals, planning for campsite renovations will proceed simultaneously, ensuring that popular recreational areas remain accessible while construction is carried out. Overall, stakeholders remain optimistic about the long-term implications of the desalination project, both for environmental stewardship and regional water security.
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