After many years of proceedings, false starts, and delays, the California Public Utilities Commission is now finally considering a Proposed Decision that would permit California American Water to build a 6.4 million gallons per day desalination facility.

LandWatch opposes the Proposed Decision because it is the costliest and riskiest water supply alternative. Over the past 10 years, LandWatch has participated in the CPUC proceedings and advocated several partial settlements among the parties.

The settlements required more careful analysis of groundwater impacts, provision of water to a disadvantaged community, and CPUC consideration of a proposal for recycled water instead of reliance only on a desalination facility.

With LandWatch support, the CPUC approved a 3,500 acre feet per year recycled water project called Pure Water Monterey, which is now under construction by the Monterey One Water agency.

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