California Faces Historic Drought, Commission Rejects $1.4 Billion Desalination Plant

This year alone, California has faced one of its worst water crises and worst droughts. In light of the crisis, water treatment developer Poseidon offered to produce up to 50 million gallons of drinking water a day. However, just today the proposal was unanimously rejected by California’s state coastline protection agency.

Earlier this year, scientists published findings that showed California’s megadrought is currently one of the worst they have ever seen in 1,200 years, and that unprecedented water restrictions may lie ahead. Many state leaders have been looking for eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.

One of the proposed solutions was a $1.4 billion Huntington Beach desalination plant which would have converted ocean water into municipal drinking water. Before the commission’s decision to reject the proposal was published, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) spoke highly of using the $1.4 billion plan as an option.

In a recent meeting with the Bay Area News Group editorial board, he disclosed his thoughts on the plan, stating, “What more evidence do you need that you need to have more tools in the tool kit than what we've experienced? Seven out of the last 10 years have been severe drought.”

Poseidon Director of Communications Jessica Jones remains hopeful that the state will find a quick solution to the ongoing crisis, "This was not the decision we were hoping for today. California continues to face a punishing drought, with no end in sight. ... Every day, we see new calls for conservation as reservoir levels drop to dangerous lows. We firmly believe that this desalination project would have created a sustainable, drought-tolerant source of water for Orange County, just as it has for San Diego County."

As of 2022, more than 44% of California is said to be in an “exceptional” drought, and landscapes such as the Sierra Mountains, which typically reach 66 inches of snow, are now barren.