Directors Move Forward With Doheny Desalination Project
It boils down to an additional $2.38 per month for each residence for water reliability.
Last night, the South Coast Water District Board of Directors voted unanimously to take the next step with the proposed Doheny Ocean Desalination Project (Project) by accepting the Water Cost Analysis which projects the average residence seeing a $2.38 per month increase based on a “partnered” five (5) million gallons per day (MGD) Project. The South Coast Water District would utilize two (2) MGD, while a partner or partners would share in the additional three (3) MGD.
The evening began with General Manager Rick Shintaku providing a compelling introduction regarding the District’s current drinking water supply sources. He then moved into highlighting the District’s effort to ensure a balanced water portfolio, pursuant to the SCWD Integrated Water Resources Plan, approved by the Board on July 22, 2021 (i.e., imported water, brackish water desalination, water conservation, and recycled water, including potential Indirect or Direct Potable Reuse) Mr. Shintaku also spoke about the unprecedented drought, seismic risk, and lack of a suitable aquifer in south Orange County. The critical need for water reliability was emphasized when Shintaku pointed to a slide that showed current seismic vulnerabilities and supply gap impacts statewide.
“We have an obligation to ensure that our residents and businesses will not experience extended water supply outages, especially during a catastrophic event such as an earthquake, fire, and more,” explained Shintaku. This study shows that this can be attained cost-effectively, as well.”
Mr. Shintaku provided an overview of the findings that were shared in detail by David Moore (Clean Energy Capital) and John Farnkopf (HF&H) on the Water Cost Anaylsis and the Rate Impacts.
This decision also allows South Coast Water District staff to initiate a Public Outreach Program supporting implementation of the Project, continue with contract development work, and seek partnerships with other water purveyors.
For More Information on the Project:
Boiling Down the Costs
David Moore (Clean Energy Capital) laid out the Metropolitan Water District (MET) water forecasts for imported water. He explains how he calculated his low, medium, and high-cost rates.
The low cost would be the lowest cost estimate that SCWD would pay MET for imported water.
The medium cost is the median of the high and low-cost estimates. It anticipates that the MET would need to construct one large water project, either the proposed Delta Tunnel Project or the Carson Recycled Water Project.
The high cost is the highest estimate that SCWD would pay MET for imported water. It anticipates that the MET would need to construct both large water projects, the proposed Delta Tunnel Project and the Carson Recycled Water Project.
Public Opinion Polls
In June 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, SCWD undertook a public opinion poll with FM3 Research. Surveys were conducted on June 8th and June 16th, 2020completed using a random sample of 413 registered voters in the South Coast Water District. The survey was in English and Spanish. The overall margin of error: /-4.9% full sample; /6.9% for half sample.
(South Coast Water District videos and all of our board meetings are online and have been since 2008. They can be found here. You can also search for agendas, minutes, presentations, topics, etc.)
The Studies
We are thoughtfully and diligently studying all aspects of the project to provide the Board with well-rounded information to assist with decision-making.
Cost Impacts and Ownership Capacity Sensitivity Analysis
Integrated Water Resources Plan
- August 13, 2020
- October 8, 2020
- November 19, 2020
- January 24, 2021
- February 25, 2021
- April 22, 2021
- July 22, 2021
U.S. Geological Hydrogeologic Third Party Review (Completion date FY2021-2022)
Alternative Power Solutions Study (Completion date FY2021-2022)
Why slant wells?
Many people have asked, “Why do slant wells?” Well, for us, the answer is easy. First and foremost, we are a beach community. The ocean, the marine life, the beaches are why we live here. It is also the economic engine for our economy. Each year upwards of 2 million people visit our community. We have four 5-star hotels in our service area and many more hotels, motels, and other accommodations. Many restaurants, small businesses, and other establishments rely on our world-class beaches and State and Federally protected marine life. Dana Point is the “Whale Capital of the World." Slant wells are environmentally friendly technology and are aligned with the California Ocean Plan Amendment. They are preferred by the scientists, researchers, and environmentalists that put together the plan.
To learn more about the Doheny Desalination Project, add your support or host a meeting, please visit www.scwd.org/dohenydesal.
The full presentation can be viewed here