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n another significant move, the San Diego County Water Authority approved a $1.8-billion master plan in late June. Highlights include a 50-million-gallon-per-day design-build-operate water treatment plant. Estimated to cost $75 million to $100 million, the project could be on line by 2008, says Tim Suydam, project manager. SDCWA’s environmental studies continue for a 50-mgd seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad, north of San Diego, that could be on line by 2010.
In Orange County, Calif., construction is under way on the innovative $487-million Groundwater Replenishment System, which will recharge groundwater with highly treated wastewater, providing supplies during droughts and recharging the saltwater intrusion barrier. Construction starts this year on its $300-million water treatment plant.
How much electricity does it take to run those desalinization plants?