Why is San Diego County selling its surplus desalinated seawater?

San Diego County is selling its surplus desalinated seawater because its plant is operating at only one-third capacity, creating excess supply, and the authority aims to recoup investment costs and manage future rate increases.

Which Western states might buy water from San Diego?

States like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are potential buyers, as they anticipate significant water shortages from the Colorado River due to drought and low snowmelt.

What challenges exist for interstate water transfers from San Diego?

Interstate water transfers could require new federal laws or regulations, consensus among Colorado River basin states, and may involve complex negotiations over water rights.

Home / Environment / California's Water Surplus: Selling H2O Westward

California's Water Surplus: Selling H2O Westward

18 Apr

•

Summary

San Diego offers surplus desalinated seawater to drought-stricken Western states.
A $1 billion desalination plant runs at one-third capacity, creating excess supply.
Interstate water transfers could require new federal laws or agreements.

California's Water Surplus: Selling H2O Westward

San Diego County is actively seeking to sell its surplus desalinated seawater to Western states experiencing critical water shortages. The region invested approximately $1 billion in a desalination plant following a severe drought in the 1990s. Currently operating at only a third of its capacity, the plant has created an excess supply available for transfer.

States such as Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, anticipating minimal Colorado River water due to drought and low snowmelt, are potential buyers. Discussions are underway with water managers in Arizona and exploratory agreements are being considered with Southern Nevada. Utah is also exploring partnerships for water, potentially involving Colorado River water rights.