Carlsbad Desalination Project

The Carlsbad Desalination Project will provide San Diego County with a locally-controlled, drought-proof supply of high-quality water that meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards.

After ten years of planning and five years in the state’s permitting process, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant has now received final approvals from every required regulatory and permitting agency in the state, including the California Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission and Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The Carlsbad Desalination Project began phase one construction in 2009.

The garibaldi is the official "marine fish" of the state of California and has a protected status in California coastal waters. The garibaldi thrive in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon thanks to the symbiotic relationship between the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Power Plant's water-cooling system.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said of ocean desalination: "We need it. It's not a choice."

San Diego Union Tribune, 7/27/2006

News

Overview

It will use state-of-the-art reverse osmosis water treatment technology manufactured in the San Diego region.
It will be located adjacent to the Encina Power Station
It will provide up to 56,000 acre-feet per year - enough for 300,000 residents of San Diego County.